
m 



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I 



THE 



SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



Tat.ersall, Primer, 63, Upper Thame, Street. 




day "began to dawn, the stui pe 



Lveryl>eaTi 



I 



THE 



SUBALTERN OFFICER 



A NARRATIVE. 



BY CAPTAIN GEORGE WOOD, 

ii — 

OF THE LINE. 



A prosperous life, passed at home, has little incident for narrative; it 
is only poor devils, that are tossed about the world, that are true heroes 
of story." Washington Irvine. 



SECOND EDITION. 



LONDON: 

LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN, 
PATERNOSTER-ROW. 

1826. 






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PREFACE, 



If my condescending readers, in taking up 
this Narrative, entertain an expectation of 
finding any thing to delight them in *tyle 
and composition — any of the graces of dic- 
tion, or flowers of language — they will be 
greatly disappointed. I am aware of my in- 
ability to gratify them in this respect; and 
sensible that any pretensions whatever of a 
literary nature, on my part, would be com- 
pletely ridiculous, because I am sure they 
would be wholly unfounded : — 



" Rude am I in speech, 



And little bless'd with the set phrase of peace ; 
For, since these arms had first their manly growth, 
Till now, some few years wasted, they have used 
Their dearest action in the tented field ; 
And little of this great world can I speak, 
Save what pertains to feats of broil and battle." 



Vi PREFACE. 

Let me hope, therefore, that this confession 
of my incapacity will have its due weight 
with the critic (if, indeed, any critic can be 
found who will stoop to notice such a pro- 
duction as mine) ; that he will be merciful in 
proportion as he is mighty, and will not seek 
" to break a butterfly upon the wheel." He 
cannot, I assure him, think more humbly of 
my little Work, than I do myself. 

To the reader who is unacquainted with 
military affairs, I would observe, that in 
" The Subaltern Officer," he will find a 
plain unvarnished account of the different 
adventures and scenes described in the course 
of % the Narrative, which, whatever be its 
other demerits, can at least lay claim to truth 
and accuracy: nor will it, I trust, be found 
without its share of novelty. The Journals 
and Memoirs of Private Soldiers have been 
frequently published ; but not those of Subal- 
tern Officers, on whom so much depends, and 
whose duties are of a different nature, and 
far more arduous than those imposed upon 



PREFACE. Vll 

individuals in the ranks. Indeed, one prin- 
cipal object which I have had in view, has 
been to correct the too general misapprehen- 
sion, that the sufferings and hardships of war 
are almost exclusively the lot of the private 
soldier. Those who peruse the following 
pages will perceive, that persons in the situa- 
tion which I had the honour to fill in the 
Army, during the most eventful period of my 
Country's struggles, were no less exposed to 
pains and privations than those placed under 
them; besides having to contend with the 
mental anxiety arising from a much greater 
degree of responsibility. 

I have endeavoured, in the present Narra- 
tive, to avoid technicalities as much as possi- 
ble, as they might appear obscure to the 
general reader. It will also be observed, that 
I have not paid any attention to dates in 
recounting the adventures detailed ; being un- 
willing, as I had not kept memorandums to 
ensure correctness on this head, to trust to 
conjecture in what, if mentioned at all, ought 



Vlll PREFACE. 

to be mentioned with precision. There is, 
moreover, a degree of fashion in omitting 
such data: but I have avoided the introduc- 
tion of them not merely for these reasons. 
As my readers, however, may not be fond of 
ambiguities, I hope, by a candid confession 
of one principal motive that has influenced 
me in this omission, to obtain from them an 
excuse for what I trust will be considered a 
pardonable weakness. A widower, not yet 
" sunk into the vale of years," — not insensible 
to the bewitching smile of Beauty, nor al- 
together hopeless of finding favour in her 
eyes — I, like many others, try to steal a few 
years from Father Time, which I should not 
be so well able to do, did I confine myself 
strictly to dates. 

This Narrative was written some few years 
since ; and would have been submitted to the 
public much earlier, had circumstances al- 
lowed: I, however, hope it is not even now 
too late to do that which may in the least 
degree afford them amusement; and if the 



PREFACE. IX 

events here related are not so fresh in the 
memory as they were at the period of their 
occurring, their narration will at least have 
the effect of reviving, in the minds of Britons, 
those deeds of arms which by them never 
should, and I trust never will, be forgotten. 
For although a nation be wrapped in profound 
tranquillity, such a nation as this, which has 
been justly styled " The anchor and hope of 
the world I" should not permit a single spark 
of its martial spirit to expire. Indeed, in a 
time of peace, it should be even more on the 
alert, to stimulate the rising generation to 
heroic feeling, by keeping that national fire 
alive which has blazed so conspicuously in the 
hour of need, and which, I trust, no time 
will damp and no foe extinguish. 

These, then, are the principal reasons which 
have induced me to lay my humble produc- 
tion before the public, with a view of having 
the honour to add my mite to the many who 
have contributed to the renown and glory of 



PREFACE. 



England. May her laurels, her character, 
her liberties, and her blessings, ever remain 
undiminished! 



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noil 
has 

to *£T3 



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TO THE PUBLIC. 



The Author, with gratitude and pride, begs 
leave to state, that in consequence of the 
Royal and August Patronage with which the 
first edition of this humble production was 
honoured, he was induced to publish it in that 
splendid and expensive form, so far beyond 
its merit. 

It gives him equally as great gratification 
to find there is a second edition required, and 
in compliance with the wish of several of 
the reviews, * he has caused it to be re-printed, 

* " This work is at present printed in an expensive form, which 
will prevent it getting into the hands of any but persons of opu- 
lence. It is one, however, which it is peculiarly desirable to have 
printed in a cheap form, for the Captain pourtrays the course of 
military service with a degree of sincerity that is rarely met with 
in such narratives ; and the whole work is eminently calculated to 
sober the young, or those who might be intoxicated with the parade 
of such a profession. Excepting some few faults, his style, as may 
have been perceived from the extracts we have already given, is 
simple, unostentatious, and attractive ; and if the publisher, or the 
author, should be inclined to send forth a less costly edition, in 
proportion to its cheapness will be its utility, and we should hope 
his profits, for it deserves to become popular." — Journal of Lite- 
rature. 



Xll PREFACE. 

with the price so reduced, (but with equally 
as good a type) as to come within the compass 
of general purchasers. 

He cannot, however, let this opportunity 
pass, without expressing the great satisfaction 
he feels at "The Subaltern Officer" 
having been read by so many high and dis- 
tinguished veteran Officers, who would in- 
stantly have pointed out incorrect statements, 
and taken off the glaze of false colouring, 
could any such be found. 

With these few remarks he must beg leave 
to express his sincere wish, that it may now 
meet general approbation, not only with 
regard to the price, but in every other par- 
ticular. 



LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 



HIS MAJESTY. 

His Royal Highness the Duke op York, K. G. &c. 

His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex, K. G. &c. 

His Royal Highness the Duke op Gloucester, K. G. &c. 

His Royal Highness the Prince op Saxe Cobourg, K. G. &c. 

Her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta. 

Her Royal Highness the Duchess op Kent. 

Her Serene Highness the Princess Feodore. 



Military Oppicers. 



Field Marshal His Grace the 
Duke of Wellington, K. G. &c 

General Lord Beresford, G. C. B. 
&c 

General the Earl of Cork. 

General Lord Hill, G.C.B. &c 

General Lord Howden, G. C. B. 
&c 

Lieut. General J. Fraser. 

Lieut. General Sir William 
Inglis, K. C. B. &c 

Lieut. General Sir Herbert Tay- 
lor, K. C. H. &c 

Lieut. General Vincent. 



Major General Moore. 

Major General Lord Fitzroy 

Somerset, K. C. B. &c 
Major General Sir Henry Tor- 

rens, K. C. B. &c. 
Colonel Sir Ulysses Burgh, 

K. C. B. &c. 
Colonel Sir Henry Hardinge, 

K. C. B. &c. 
Colonel S. G. Higgins. 
Colonel Le Mesurier. 
Lieut. Colonel Clanchy. 
Lieut. Colonel O'Neill. 
Lieut. Colonel Wildman. 



XIV 



SUBSCRIBERS. 



Lieutenant Colonel De Bethe. 

Lieutenant Colonel Brown. 

Lieutenant Colonel Warburton. 

Major Byrne. 

Major Green. 

Major Kean. 

Major Maling. 

Major Symcox. 

Major Sir Thomas Ormsby. 

Major Charles Teulon. 

Captain Lord Thomas Cecil. 

Captain Charters. 

Captain Conroy. 

Captain J. Deranzy. 

Captain Ingram. 

Captain Jenkins. 

Captain Kyle. 

Captain Mills. 

Captain Smith. 

Captain Sweetman. 

Captain Thompson. 

Captain Taylor. 

Captain Willock. 

Captain Wynn. 

Captain Charleston. 

Captain Foster. 

Captain W. F. Foster. 

Captain O'Conner. 

Captain J. J. Watts. 

Mr. Arthur. 

Mr. Blunt. 

Mr. Brownrigg. 

Mr. Bullen. 

Mr. Clune. 

Mr. Macnamara. 

Mr. Perry. 

Mr. Sayers. 

Mr. Webb 



Mr. Westropp. 
Mr. Belstead. 
Mr. G. Brockman. 
Lord Crofton. 
Mr. P. Maitland. 
Mr. R. F. Martin. 
Mr. Ross. 
Mr. J. Stewart. 
Mr. Herbert Taylor. 
Mr. R. Wynyard. 
Mr. John Watson. 
Mr. Westmoreland. 



Naval Officers. 
Captain H. B. Martin. 
Captain W. F. Martin. 
Captain Yorke. 
Lieutenant J. Brander. 
Lieutenant J. F. Brown. 
Lieutenant E. Gordon. 



OFFICERS OF THE 82D REGIMENT. 

And others who did belong to that 

Corps. 

General Pigot. 

Lieut. General Sir Thomas Brad- 
ford, K. C. B. &c. 
Major General Grant. 
Colonel King. 
Lieut. Colonel Conyers. 
Lieut. Colonel Montagu. 
Lieut. Colonel Sir Henry Pym. 
Major Carew. 
Major W. E. Fitzgerald. 
Major C. Fitzgerald. 
Major Vincent. 
Captain Agnew. i M 

Captain G. W. Derenzy. 



Captain Huxley. 


Mr. Butler. 


Captain Langley. 


Mr. G. G. Carey. 


Captain Pigott. 


Mr. J. Cook. 


Captain Sterne 


Mr. S. Cook. 


Mr. Bourne. 


Mr. Cox 


Mr. Browne. 


Mr. Crewe. 


Mr. Baldock. 


Mr. Crowford. 


Mr. Carew, 


Mr. Cunninghame. 


Mr. Delancy. 


Mr. M'Donald. 


Mr. Donnellan. 


Mr. Drury. 


Mr. Goslett. 


The Hon. Agar Ellis, M. P. 


Mr. Lacy. 


Alderman Garratt. 


Mr. Marley. 


Mr. Green. 


Mr. Wigley. 


Mr. J. T. Hall, jun. 


Mr. Winning. 


Mr. C. Judson. 




TVfr K Ti!)iir1pr 


Gentlemen of the Faculty. 


ItJL I • XV. UalXyXVl . 

The Rev. George Laurence. 


Mr. Alexander. 


Earl Manvers. 


Sir Astley Cooper, Bart. 


Mr. Palmer. 


Dr. Thomas Derenzy. 


Mr. L. Parkinson. 


Mr. Fiddes. 


Mr. Sams. 


Sir Wm. Franklin, M. D. 


Sir George Shiffner, Bart. M.P. 


Mr. Guthrie. 


Mr. Slayd. 


Sir James M'Grigor, M. D. 


Mr. R. Smith. 


Dr. J G. Hibhert. 


Mr. J. F. Smith. 


Mr. Laisne. 


Mr. C. Stanfield. 


Dr. Wm. Milligan. 


Mr. J. G. Strutt. 


Mr. Tyrell. 


Mr. John Teulon, jun. 




Mr. J. Thompson. 




Mr. W. Abbott. 


Mr. Henry Watson, Mayor of 


Lieutenant Brander, R. N. 


Limerick. 


Mr. Bray. 


Mr. J. Wilkinson. 


Mr. Brocksop. 


Mr. Window. 


Mr. Packer. 


Mr. H. Houghton. 


Mr. War rand. 


Mr. Dalston. 


Mr. W. L. Thomas. 


Mr. G. Stephen. . 


Mr. T. W. Thomas. 


Mr. W. Smith. 







THE 



SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



CHAPTER I. 

The morning's sun is gleaming bright, 
And Britain's flag is waving light, 
And widely where the gales invite 

The charger's mane is flowing. 
Around is many a staring face 
Of envious boor and wondering grace, 
And Echo shouts through all the place, 

" The soldiers be a-going." Etonian. 

On sitting* down quietly by our own fire-side, after 
the fatigues of an active life, our reflections generally 
turn towards the chequered and various events of the 
past; and, should these deviate from the common 
track, they may, by being recorded, prove entertain- 
ing and instructive to those who have not moved in 
the same sphere, and recal to the minds of ,those who 
have, gratifying recollections of their profession. In 



2 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

hopes, therefore, that my present undertaking may in 
some measure answer these purposes, I proceed with 
my narrative. 

In the first place, I shall merely mention that I am 
the son of an officer in the Army, of an ancient Irish 
family, but an Englishman by birth. I commenced 
my military career with an Ensigncy in the Line, and 
immediately joined my regiment at Uxb ridge. I was, 
I must confess, much struck with the new mode of 
life I was about to lead, from its apparent splendour. 
Impressed as I was with the high opinion I had formed 
of the military profession, I conceived no other could 
equal it in point of pleasure, idleness, and grandeur : 
all around me seemed gaiety, freedom, and ease: in 
fact, it was that kind of life, of all others, best agree- 
ing with my disposition, and I fancied myself one of 
the most enviable young men in existence ; but, like 
every thing in this mutable world, my dream of hap- 
piness was of short duration, as will be seen in the 
course of events. 

I imagined I had only to order and be obeyed ; and, 
to support these consequential ideas, I assumed an 
appearance I could not afford, living at the same rate 
as those gentlemen who possessed independent for- 
tunes, and spending fifteen shillings a day, when, in 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 6 

reality, I had not more than five ; so deceived was I 
by false appearances and want of experience. It is to 
be hoped that this, and other confessions of my errors, 
will not be lost on those young officers who are liable 
to commit similar follies ; it is my wish to warn them 
against those irregularities, which they will presently 
see experience alone taught me to avoid. But, before 
I proceed, let me consider what confessions I am 
about to make — why, those of my past follies, for the 
caution of others ; by which means I necessarily ex- 
pose my own. Be it so: as I am not ashamed of any 
transaction, I shall not be deterred by the animadver- 
sion, even of the most censorious ; let him examine 
his own passage through the busy scenes of life, and 
say, whether he has not also been subject to the inad- 
vertencies and frailties of human nature. 

Not to digress farther; I was now at the head- 
quarters of my corps, and in a few days was ordered 
to mount the uniform of my regiment. This welcome 
command was joyfully and quickly obeyed, from the 
delightful anticipation of the fine figure I flattered 
myself I should make in my gay attire. I desired my 
servant to take my coat immediately, and have the 
epaulette sewed on ; but, whether he did it himself, 
whether the tailor had been making too free with the 
bottle, or whether it was done for the joke's sake, I 

b 2 



4 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

know not, but it had been sewn on the wrong shoulder ; 
the belt was consequently put on wrong", and the 
sword hung on the wrong side. Never having worn 
a red coat before, not even in the Volunteers, I was 
a perfect novice in the military art ; therefore, to the 
parade I strutted, with my left shoulder decorated 
more like that of an Aid-de-camp than a Subaltern 
Officer. After having been the laughing-stock of the 
parade for some time, a friend came and told me of 
my ridiculous appearance. Conceive my chagrin 
when I found out the cause of their mirth ! I ran off 
the ground as fast as I could, and had my dress altered 
as if by magic, for in less than ten minutes I was 
again on the parade: but my astonishment and shame 
were heightened on finding myself in a more ludicrous 
predicament than before ; for my servant, in his great 
hurry, had left all the threads sticking in the shoulder 
that the epaulette had been removed from; and, in 
my confusion, I did not observe this fresh disgrace, 
but made my re-appearance accordingly. By this 
time the Colonel had arrived ; of course his attention 
was directed towards me, as a new-comer, and he 
very soon accosted me with a satirical smile: " So, 
Sir, you have made your first appearance with a turned 
coat?" — " A turned coat, Sir," replied I; "Ido not 
know what you mean : I hope, Sir, I shall never be 
found a turn-coat." — " Why," said he, " you have 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. O 

epaulette holes and threads on your left shoulder, 
which plainly shows your coat has been turned." — 
Just as I was going to explain, the drum beat to fall 
in, so that I had not an opportunity of convincing 
him to the contrary ; but my pride was so much hurt, 
that I took care to clear up the mistake to my friends, 
which, I supposed, reached my commanding officer, 
as he never mentioned the circumstance afterwards. 

Here, then, commenced my life as a soldier, from 
the time of getting my commission until that of my 
becoming a reduced Captain, which it has been my 
good fortune to attain from actual service, in about 
seven years, without money or interest, being, in 
every sense of the word, a soldier of Fortune, though 
that lady has now left me in the back-ground, having 
no farther occasion for my services in the pursuits of 
war. 

I remained in these, my first quarters, in rather an 
unpleasant state; for being, as I before observed, 
quite a novice in my new profession, it was necessary 
to give me some instruction, for which purpose I was 
sent to drill every morning at six o'clock ; at which 
exercise I remained about three hours, and to my 
comfort was placed in the awkward squad, with strict 
orders to rise gradually, till I was reported by the 



6 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

Adjutant lit for duty. This little difficulty was got 
over in about six weeks ; nor did it at all curb my 
pleasures, for I used to drink at the mess as long as I 
could sit, and enjoy every amusement. It happened 
one night, as I was going to my quarters, about two 
miles distant, very much the worse for tippling, I fell 
asleep on the battlements of a bridge. A person who 
was passing at the time, seeing me in danger, pulled 
me off, when, being very pot-valiant, I immediately 
drew my sword, thinking it was some one going to 
rob me. The man ran away, and while engaged in 
pursuit of him, I fell down on the road, and there 
went to sleep ; but the mail-coach coming by soon 
after, the coachman pulled up, and cut me with his 
whip to wake me, in which he succeeded. I proceeded 
some distance on my way, when sleep again over- 
powered me ; and on waking in the morning I found 
myself in a wet ditch, and a very pretty figure I cut 
till I changed my dress for parade. This was my 
kind of life while in my first quarters ; when all of a 
sudden the route came, and we were ordered to march 
the next morning at five o'clock. It is almost impos- 
sible for one who has not witnessed the scene to form 
an adequate idea of the convulsion of a regiment at this 
critical juncture. Every person and every thing appears, 
at such a time, in the utmost confusion ; but the princi- 
pal cause of alarm is the presence of so many creditors 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 7 

for the payment of their bills, and the scarcity of 
money to meet their demands. Next to this, are the 
severe pangs felt at parting with sweethearts ; and in 
this agreeable place these were experienced in an 
extraordinary degree; for the corps having been sta- 
tioned at Uxbridge a great length of time, there was 
scarcely one, from the splendid epaulette to the qui- 
vering fife, that had not charmed the heart of some 
sweet maid of this dear town. The morning soon 
began to dawn — the baggage already towered on the 
creaking waggons: the women and children scaled 
the massive pile, where seated, they might enjoy their 
short pipe and little bottle, as they slowly moved 
along the weary way. The lively bugle sounding the 
well-known general, plainly told the sorrowful tale 
that " the soldiers were a-going." Then came the 
trying scene — the lovely lasses taking their last fare- 
well, and clinging to their dejected lovers — crying, 
fainting, sighing, till another sound summoned them 
to tear themselves away. Poor girls ! they shrieked, 
implored, intreated. Another sound ! the soldiers are 
gone ; but the dear creatures are resolved to follow. 
Such, however, was the concourse of despairing 
maidens, that precaution was found necessary, and 
sentries were placed at each end of the bridge, to pre- 
vent their passing : but even this had not the desired 
effect; they rushed by the guard — but being unable 



8 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

to pass the next, one of these damsels, in despair,, 
scaled the battlements and plunged into the water r 
making- an effort to swim after her desponding lover r 
but the struggle was vain; she was with difficulty 
taken out almost a corpse, and restored to her hapless 
parents. These trying scenes I afterwards found of 
frequent occurrence in military life; but certainly their 
first appearance was not calculated to give me any 
very unfavourable impression of it,. 

We set off on our march for Derby, where we were- 
stationed some time. Here I still practised the same 
extravagance as before — spending " half a crown out 
of sixpence a-day ;" but this excess could not last 
long. I had been in this town only about a month, 
when an order arrived for a Captain, two Subalterns, 
and one hundred men, to join the first Battalion, which, 
was then at Cork, forthwith. 

I must here notice a circumstance which had nearly 
blasted my future prospects in the Army. Some ma- 
licious person, by way, I suppose, of ingratiating 
himself with the Commanding Officer, informed him 
I had designated him an old fool ; and, to my great 
astonishment, being quite innocent of the charge, I 
was summoned before a Court of Inquiry, to have 
this weighty matter investigated ; when, by the state- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 9 

ment of the gentlemen who were present at the time 
this improper expression was said to have been uttered, 
I was fully cleared from the imputation. The occur- 
rence, however, was of service to me ; as I learned, 
that had the epithet been used, however justly applied, 
the consequences to me would have been serious* 

To return to the subject: among- the Officers ap- 
pointed to accompany this detachment, I was included 
— and a very pleasant situation I was in, truly: a 
march of about two hundred miles before me, without 
any money in my purse, and about thirty pounds in 
debt to the tradesmen of the town : — but there was 
now no time to lose, and upon informing" my creditors 
that they should be paid as soon as I arrived at my 
destination, they very kindly agreed ; to this arrange- 
ment. We set off the next morning, with only 
sixpence between my brother Sub and myself, which 
we shared in a glass of ale on the march, wishing 
each other better luck and more prudence in future. 
We trudged on, meditating and moralizing on our late 
extravagance; for in general it is only necessity that 
reminds us of our folly. 

For the sake of some of my young military readers, 
I hope to be excused for pursuing this topic a little 
farther. On a young gentleman's joining a regiment, 



10 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

he is too apt to be dazzled by the new life of apparent 
pleasure that he is about to lead ; but, if his fortune be 
limited, the greatest care and economy are requisite. 
The utmost circumspection, too, is required in his 
conduct, especially at the mess-table, where the want 
of politeness, good address, and propriety of speaking 
oii his first appearance, is often lastingly attended with 
the most unpleasant consequences. A deficiency in 
these qualifications will not fail to impress his asso- 
ciates with an unfavourable opinion of him; and 
according to the impression made, will he be subject 
to be treated till that impression is removed, which, 
in many instances, is not the case during the time of 
his remaining in the regiment. It may be supposed 
that no gentlemen enter the Army without these pre- 
vious acquirements ; but admitting this to be the case, 
they cannot have that experience which their seniors 
have gained by long habits of military decorum and 
observation. It is, therefore, particularly displeasing 
to see these young men officious, talkative, presump- 
tuous, and conceited, which, unfortunately, is too 
often the case. They should have the modesty, how- 
ever clever they may be, to keep reserved ; and for 
the first two or three years employ themselves in the 
study of men and manners, which they will find one 
of incalculable benefit. Be it observed, that I am not 
one of those tyrants who say that Subalterns should 






THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 11 

not be allowed even to think ; nor do I mean to insi- 
nuate that they are not to join in the convivial conver- 
sation and merriment of the jovial companions with 
whom they associate — I only prescribe moderation 
and economy. Had I myself observed these prudent 
maxims on my entrance into the Army, I should not, 
at the time of which I am narrating", have found myself 
pennyless ; neither should I have fallen asleep on the 
highway from inebriety, and run the risk of being 
crushed to death by the wheel of a mail coach. 

" Chewing the cud of not " sweef but " bitter 
fancy, 11 in this kind of meditation, we had arrived at 
our billets, when our ears were saluted by hearing 
our noble Captain order two courses, with plenty of 
wine, for dinner. It was now, indeed, that we 
blushed for our late prodigality, which, as marching- 
money was not then allowed, caused these orders to 
give us no small pain. We well knew that our late 
extravagance would not permit us to partake of the 
proposed cheer, and were obliged to explain to our 
commandant the state of our finances. The generous 
soul, instead of the conduct too common to pampered 
insignificance, when applied to on such occasions, 
sympathised with our feelings, and said, " Do not 
let that distress you, my boys ; I will supply you with 
every necessary till we arrive at the end of our route, 



12 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

when you can take such means to reimburse me as 
may best suit your convenience." This kind and 
liberal act never can be obliterated from my memory. 
Indeed, a pleasanter march than this I never had, 
though I have experienced many a one since. Our 
route lay from Derby to Liverpool, where we em- 
barked for Dublin, but were obliged to put into 
Amloch, in Wales. We were treated there in the 
most friendly manner by the ancient Britons: more 
kindness and hospitality could not be shown to 
strangers than we met with; they vied with each 
other who should best entertain us — some with the 
lively dance, some with the- melodious harp, while 
others made parties of hunting, coursing, and shoot- 
ing. Here, too, I had an opportunity of visiting their 
extensive copper-mines, whose richness and novelty 
much delighted me. 

In this agreeable harbour we remained wind-bound 
a fortnight; during which time the inhabitants not 
only continued their kind attention to the officers, but 
even sent potatoes and other vegetables on board, to 
the men, who were living on salt provisions, and in 
every respect afforded us all the comfort and attention 
in their power. Having left these good-natured peo- 
ple with regret, we reached the great city of Dublin, 
and in a few days marched for Cork. I could enlarge 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 13 

much on the occurrences of this journey; but, as 
almost every one is acquainted with travelling from 
one town in the United Kingdom to another, and the 
many incidents in general met with at the different 
stages, it would be uninteresting to enter minutely 
into details. Let it suffice to say, that on arriving at 
Cork, I found myself in the midst of my friends and 
relations, by whose means I was not only enabled 
to pay my kind benefactor his advances to me, but 
also to send back the amount of my debts to Derby, 
as I did not return to that place, having in the interim 
become effective in the fir^st Battalion, then quartered 
in the barracks of Cork. 

Behold me now, then, stationed where I receive 
every indulgence and friendship ; in short, I am quite 
at home. After adorning my person with plenty of 
powder and perfumes, a long queue, and all the 
et cetera of military finery, away I strut to the grand 
parade, admiring the belles and the bon-ton of this 
gay place, and fancying myself equally admired, 
little dreaming how soon these fine ornaments would 
be tarnished, and the white powder exchanged for 
black, on a more arduous and active kind of service. 

We remained here about four months, which were 
spent in one continual round of amusement, — balls, 



14 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

plays, assemblies, parties, &c. Indeed, a man may 
travel far before he meets with more hospitality than 
is to be found here. At length orders arrived to 
embark for England ; and after taking an affectionate 
leave of all my friends, I sailed from Passage, and 
landed at Ramsgate, without any remarkable incident; 
a tedious passage and bad weather being mere com- 
mon-place occurrences. We arrived safe at Deal 
barracks, where in a few days we received orders to 
embark on a secret expedition. 

I must here beg leave to state, for the particular 
information of my younger military readers, the kind 
and soldier-like admonition of our brave Colonel, Sir 
George Smith, on this serious occasion. He con- 
vened a meeting of all the officers, and having politely 
and kindly congratulated us on the present under- 
taking, he thus addressed us : " Now, gentlemen, you 
are about to join a grand expedition; and if I mistake 
not, there is not one of you that has yet had the 
honour of seeing a shot fired from an enemy. It is 
therefore necessary to acquaint you, that the whizzing 
of the balls is apt to cause a disagreeable sensation ; 
but this, gentlemen, arises from a mistaken idea, for 
the moment you hear that sound, the danger is past. 
You will not, therefore, show a bad example to the 
men by ducking your heads and flinching your bodies, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 15 

for that is unsoldier-like, and may cause a panic 
among- the troops ; but always keep the head up, the 
body erect, and even in danger show a pleasing and 
determined aspect, which may command respect and 
admiration in your men, and animate them to that 
glory which Britons have a right to anticipated This 
salutary advice was lost on me at the time, for the 
duty of the heavy baggage being in dispute between 
another officer and myself, and decided in his favour, 
he consequently proceeded with the regiment ; and I 
remained behind, and thus lost all the honours of the 
glorious siege of Copenhagen, where the very officer 
with whom this demur in regard to priority had taken 
place, and in whose identical situation I should have 
stood, holding the same colours, received his death- 
wound. This event I took much to heart at first, but 
after hearing his fate, I became more reconciled, and 
fancied myself reserved for much greater under- 
takings, 

In this I was not mistaken, nor was I long kept in 
suspence ; for the regiment had scarcely returned to 
England, and again settled in Deal barracks, when it 
received the route for Portsmouth, to rendezvous there 
for another secret expedition, which was to be com- 
manded by General Spencer. The destination we 
ultimately found to be Ceuta, in Africa. 



10 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

I was determined that no circumstances whatever 
should prevent my going- on this occasion, so anxious 
was I to share the fortune of my brave comrades. 
We commenced our march, and soon arrived at the 
port of embarkation. Here was a new scene to me ; 
an army of about ten thousand men, all busy in 
preparing and laying in stock for a long voyage ; all 
appeared bustle and conjecture; however, after 
remaining here some time waiting for a fair wind, 
we set sail with a favourable breeze, which lasted just 
long enough to waft us into the swell of the Bay of 
Biscay, the name of which will ever cause my bosom 
to swell with horror : we were hardly in it, when the 
unpleasant command was given by the Master of the 
transport to take in sail- This was repeated again 
and again, till at length a storm stay-sail only was 
left standing. This was soon literally shivered to 
rags, and we were left to scud under bare poles. 
The storm now increased, and the density of the 
clouds became thicker and thicker, till it blew a most 
tremendous gale, which continued with little variation 
about ten days and nights. During this time, we 
were prevented obtaining either fire or candle-light, 
and those who could eat were glad to make their 
Christmas dinner off cold junk and biscuit; but the 
troops had little occasion for any, their appetites 
being quite gone. Judge, then, the situation of one 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 17 

who had been so little at sea before ; I cannot recol- 
lect half the dreadful sensations that seized me — from 
the noise of the pumps that were continually kept 
going, the different parts of the masts and rigging 
giving way, with the bustle and confusion of the crew 
endeavouring to work the vessel, and the great proba- 
bility that we should founder, our ship having but just 
returned from a long voyage to South America, and 
being so much out of trim, that she was more fit to be 
taken into dock than to contend against a violent 
storm. In this plight our situation became truly dread- 
ful, distress was depicted on every countenance ; to look 
around, all was awfully sublime — nothing to be seen 
but huge waves, on the tops of which we seemed like 
the inhabitants of the skies ; then descending into the 
trough of the sea, we were as if entombed in the 
bottomless pit, never more to rise. Every swell 
seemed as if it would overwhelm our little bark ; not 
a single ship was in sight, for the convoy had long 
since dispersed, many of them never again to meet, as 
they experienced that fate which we had every reason 
to expect. During the whole of the time we remained 
in this perilous state, the Master had not a single 
opportunity of taking an observation, as the sun never 
made its appearance: we could not, therefore, tell 
whither the storm was driving us. I am unable to 

c 



18 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

give the reader the exact time this terrible tempest 
continued, for, never having" kept a journal, I am 
entirely indebted to my memory, which, although not 
very strong, is nevertheless pretty correct ; nor would 
I exaggerate intentionally, upon any consideration, 
one particular of this narrative. About the tenth day 
the Master was enabled to take an observation, and 
found us nearly in the latitude of Vigo. Indeed, we 
soon had proofs that he was accurate in his reckoning ; 
for the sky had scarce begun to wear a milder aspect, 
the wind and waves to abate their fury, and the men 
to get a little respite from their fatigue, than we 
descried, bearing down upon us under a press of sail, 
a French lugger privateer, supposed to be from that 
port. Orders were instantly given to clear the deck 
for action, which were as instantaneously obeyed. In 
this dilemma, imagine to yourself a being like me, 
more dead than alive from sea-sickness, now ordered 
to get up and fight, and to set an example to the men 
by boarding from the bows. I certainly obeyed my 
orders to the best of my strength and ability, but must 
confess I would rather have remained in my berth, 
had it not been for the honour of the thing; whieh, 
by the way, I could have well dispensed with at the 
time — such is the all-powerful effect of this terrible 
malady. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 19 

The troops, amounting to two hundred men, were 
directed to prime and load : the one half of them to 
lie concealed below, and the other to be ready on 
deck, a proportionate number having- been allotted to 
assist in manning* the guns, for we had carronades on 
board. During the time of these preparations, the 
enemy was fast coming up with us, and continually 
firing to bring us to ; but we not complying, they ran 
alongside, and hailed us, asking what we were: the 
answer was, " a transport." They then asked where 
from, and whither bound. We informed them; and 
they, seeing us so well prepared to receive them, put 
their ship about and sheered off. On seeing this, we 
fired one shot, which they did not think proper to 
return, but going right before the wind, were very 
soon out of sight. We were now just beginning to 
put things in order, and make ourselves a little more 
comfortable, the soldiers to commence cooking and 
cleaning themselves, the sailors to dry themselves, 
and repair the damage the vessel had sustained, when 
another strange sail hove in sight, and of course the 
same preparations were necessary ; but we were soon 
at ease on this head, as it was discovered to be one of 
our own fleet that had parted convoy, and, like our- 
selves, weathered out the storm, which, I must here 
observe, the greater part were not able to do, being 
compelled to put back into Falmouth harbour. 

c 2 



20 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

We had now arrived in a certain latitude, in which 
instructions were given to open our sealed orders. 
These directed us to rendezvous off the Rock of Lisbon, 
and we made that head-land in a few days. We were 
standing off and on there for some time waiting farther 
instructions, and had the pleasure of seeing the King 
of Portugal sail through our fleet, (which by this time 
had in part collected,) on his escape from the French 
to his Brazilian colonies, under the protection of Sir 
Sidney Smith. Fresh orders now arrived, instructing 
us to proceed to Gibraltar, for which place we imme- 
diately steered, and cast anchor in that Bay three days 
after. I received here the pleasing intelligence of my 
promotion to a Lieutenantcy ; but many, as you will 
find, were the storms and dangers I had to encounter 
previous to my obtaining farther promotion. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 21 



CHAPTER II. 

See how the golden groves around me smile, 
That shun the coast of Britain's stormy isle ; 
Or, when transplanted and preserved with care, 
Curse the cold clime, and starve in northern air ! 
Here kindly warmth their mountain juice ferments 
To nobler tastes and more exalted scents : 
Ev'n the rough rocks with tender myrtles bloom, 
And trodden weeds send out a rich perfume. 

Addison. 

On our arrival at Gibraltar, the strongest garrison in 
the world, we were not permitted to land our troops, the 
fortress being already too full, and provisions exceed- 
ingly scarce ; we therefore remained on board about 
three weeks, waiting the arrival of the rest of the 
convoy from England. During this time it came on to 
blow from the Eastward, which is here termed a 
Levanter : blow, indeed, it did, if possible, more hard 
than in the Bay of Biscay, and the havoc caused to 
the ships then at anchor here baffled all description; 
some cut their cables and tried to beat out to sea, 
many were jumbled together by means of their cables 
twisting* others had signals of distress flying and 
minute-guns firing, but no one dared venture out to 
their assistance in this tempestuous sea. Amidst this 



22 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

confusion, to increase the scene of horror, night 
approached, and a small vessel came floating along- 
side our transport without a soul on board, as we 
afterwards found. The sentry hailed, and receiving 
no answer, according to orders fired into it ; this was 
followed by others doing the same, supposing it to 
have been an enemy, sent among us from Algesiras 
by the Spaniards, who might have taken advantage of 
the gale for that purpose, as they were then at war 
with us: this circumstance gave the greatest alarm, 
and caused a brisk fire of musketry to be kept up for 
some minutes. From the darkness that now prevailed, 
no one knew the cause, but we were apprehensive 
that fire-ships had been sent among us by the enemy. 
This kept us on the alert the whole night, and the next 
morning such a spectacle of woe presented itself as is 
seldom witnessed: eleven fine ships, one a transport 
full of troops, all stranded, some gone to pieces, 
others lying on their beam ends. An American trader > 
close alongside our vessel, drifted on the rocks, bilged, 
and went down; indeed, we could have thrown a 
biscuit on her from on board; and, had not the gale 
moderated after continuing three days, we must inevit- 
ably have shared her fate, as we had also drifted a 
great deal. At last it ceased, and an ill wind it is that 
blows nobody good ; for, from the disaster of the un- 
fortunate American, we derived much benefit, hauling 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 23 

up three pipes of fine Cape wine that floated along- 
side our ship, which was shared in regular daily pro- 
portions among the whole on board. 

We remained in this disagreeable Bay three weeks, 
and saw no appearance of the rest of the convoy joining 
us. The communication of the garrison was shut in 
consequence of its neighbouring enemies, and there 
were no more provisions than were necessary for the 
troops stationed there, together with a deficiency of 
water ; it was therefore found expedient to send us to 
Sicily, particularly as that island was at that time 
seriously threatened with an invasion by the French on 
the Calabrian coast. Orders were accordingly given 
to proceed: our sea-stock by this time being quite 
exhausted, we procured a fresh supply, which, though 
rather scanty, from the dearth of the place, was in a 
great measure compensated by the many fine turtle we 
caught on the voyage. They were not, it is true, of 
the same species that an Alderman would like to par- 
take of, yet we managed to make most delicious soup 
of them ; and, instead of Madeira, took care to relish 
it with copious draughts of black-strap. The wind, 
which on our sailing had been fair, favoured us as far 
as Sardinia, into which kingdom we were obliged to 
put, owing to the breeze becoming adverse. We 
came to anchor in the Bay of Parma, where we 



24 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

were detained many days waiting* a more favourable 
gale. During this period we spent our time in various 
pursuits — boating, fishing, visiting the country, &c. 

Amusements of this kind, however pleasant they 
may appear, had nearly ended very disastrously to me. 
One day, accompanied by four others, I went to the 
farthest part of the island to shoot wild-pigeons: as 
soon as we reached the shore, which was very high 
land, we perceived the Blue Peter, which is the signal 
for sailing-, hoisted; but, as we had frequently seen 
this flying* many days before that event took place, we 
treated it very lightly, and pursued our sport, thinking* 
that we should have time to join the fleet previous to its 
departure. In this, however, we were much mistaken; 
for when we returned to the beach, our consternation 
was excited at seeing the convoy under weig*h, and, to 
complete our embarrassment, the boat which conveyed 
us to land was not to be found. We had directed the 
boatman to go about a mile along-shore, at which 
place we intended to meet him ; but having struck into 
the country, we could not direct our course exactly to 
the spot we wished, owing to the obstruction we met 
with from the great quantity of high myrtles and gera- 
niums, whiph grew there as plentifully as our furze- 
bushes on waste lands : we now began to halloo, and 
fire our fowling pieces, in hopes of making the boat- 



I 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 25 

man hear us ; but to no purpose. Supposing therefore 
that he had gone off to the fleet, we held a Council of 
War, to decide whether we should go to the Martello 
Tower, at the extremity of the island, near which the 
ships would pass, and make signals to them for assist- 
ance, or proceed to the little village of Antioco, (to 
which I had been before, along with the Master of 
the transport, to purchase stock,) and endeavour to 
get a passage in one of their feluccas for Malta. We 
determined on the latter measure, taking care to keep 
along the shore in hopes of seeing our boat, which, 
after proceeding about half a mile, we had the good 
fortune to descry, making all sail to gain the ship ; we 
lost no time in firing all our pieces together, and the 
man hearing them, directly put the boat back for us, 
and we reached the vessel just in time to save our 
passage. 

That the reader may have a better idea of our 
unpleasant adventure, he must be informed that this is 
one of the most wild and savage-looking places 
imaginable. On our excursion, we met some of the 
inhabitants, and saw their habitations, into which 
they invited us to enter, asking in a kind of lingua 
Franca — a language peculiar to the Mediterranean — 
whether we were French or English. From this cir- 



26 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

cumstance you may form an idea of their ignorance ; 
with respect to their barbarity, I can only judge from 
their appearance, not from their actions, for they were 
certainly very civil, and particularly assiduous in 
pointing out the places in which we were most likely 
to meet with different kinds of birds. But the figure 
and savage appearance of this race of mortals was 
truly original ; their visages were dark, rough, and des- 
perate ; their make exceedingly athletic, and their dress 
nearly resembling that which Robinson Crusoe is 
represented to have worn, only that instead of having 
pistols in their girdles, they had a large stiletto on one 
side of their goat-skin jackets, which they wore with 
the fleecy side outwards, and a smaller one on the 
other. Besides these, they constantly carry a musket 
about six feet long, of a different kind from any I had 
seen before, the barrel being hardly large enough to 
admit the top of the fore-finger into the muzzle. They 
are in general mounted on very pretty little horses, 
which are here found in their wild state: they are 
extinct in all the other countries of Europe, but 
abound in the woods of Canais, in the Island of An- 
tioco. They are a very small race, exceedingly swift, 
and belong to whoever can catch them. I should 
imagine these people are so constantly armed from 
the fear of wild beasts, or more probably of the Bar- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 27 

bary pirates, who frequently make a descent on these 
shores, and carry off every thing that comes within 
their reach. 

I could not perceive much beauty in the women of 
this country, with the exception of their fine sparkling 
black eyes ; their awkward dress, which was a short 
blue gown, very thick about the waist, and coming 
very little below their knee, prevented any judgment 
being formed of their make, but their feet were small 
and pretty. They appeared very industrious, and in the 
village of Antioco were all busily employed in a man- 
ner that might prove advantageous to most cottage 
families in this kingdom. In every house, I observed 
a small mill placed in one corner of the room, in 
which they grind their corn : this machine was worked 
by a donkey, with very little trouble ; they thus saved 
the expense of the miller, and were certain of getting 
their flour genuine, the benefit of which is obvious. 
Indeed, I never ate better, finer, or whiter bread in 
my life, but their meat was altogether as bad. On 
killing some sheep which we had brought on board, 
they were literally so poor, that when hung up, and 
a candle placed in their carcass, they were no bad 
substitute for a lantern. 

This is not a neat village, being built very strag- 



28 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

gling; but the scenery about is pretty enough, particu- 
larly as you look towards an old monastery, which is 
entirely grown over by the prickly pear — a plant very 
common in these Islands, which gives it much the 
appearance of the ivy-covered ruins so frequently to 
be met with in my own country. 

From the singularity of this place, I am afraid I 
have been led to lengthen this description beyond my 
limits; I shall therefore conclude by saying, that 
their deportment was civil, though, from their terrific 
look, I have often blessed my good fortune in getting 
so well out of their power. 

It being late at night when we reached the ship, I 
soon turned into my berth, and this, during the whole 
of the voyage, was on the cabin-floor ; for, being the 
junior Subaltern on board, I was obliged to put up 
with the worst accommodation, it being in our profes- 
sion, seniores priores ; but, bad as it was, I could not 
help fancying it a bed of down, in comparison to the 
one I should have got, had we been left behind in 
that deplorable and horrible place. It may be a fine 
country, and the inhabitants were certainly civil to us, 
yet it is deplorable, from the excessive poverty so 
prevalent along the shores of the Mediterranean, and 
I say horrible, because I have still my suspicions with 






THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 29 

regard to their barbarity; and notwithstanding their 
courtesy to us while our fleet was in the Bay, I 
should not like to trust myself with them unprotected. 

The next morning was very fine, and we had just 
made the high land of Sicily, going at the rate of 
about four knots, when our Master, who had never 
been in this latitude before, observed the Commodore 
and other ships taking in sail, the cause of which he 
could not conjecture; but he soon found it out, to his 
cost. I am not going to take up the reader's patience 
and time again with a tedious account of a long storm, 
a gale, a hurricane, or a Levanter ; but merely to give 
him some idea of what is termed in these seas, a 
White Squall. It first made its appearance by a little 
white cloud, which became larger as it hastily ap- 
proached, and in less than ten minutes burst upon us 
with a most tremendous roar, like the whizzing and 
exploding of a bomb. It proved fortunate that we 
were in the rotten state just described, from a previous 
long voyage ; for, had the sails been of new canvass, 
nothing could have saved us from being capsized. 
Luckily as it was, they were shivered into a thousand 
pieces, and we lay on our beam-ends for some 
minutes, in such a situation as I cannot describe, but 
I observed every soul clinging in the greatest dismay 
to every thing that could be laid hold of. This state 



30 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

of apprehension was exceedingly awful, for we feared 
that the vessel would not recover herself; happily she 
soon righted again, and in about ten minutes all was as 
calm and serene as if nothing had happened, and the 
only remaining vestiges of the squall were, the deck 
being covered ancle-deep with hail-stones of an enor- 
mous size, and the tattered appearance of our sails. 
From the great damage that we in particular had sus- 
tained, the whole convoy were obliged to put into 
Palermo to refit, and we now again experienced the 
good effects of an ill wind, for it gave us the opportunity 
of seeing this beautiful city, while the sight of us was 
equally gratifying to the inhabitants, as they never, I 
believe, had before seen British soldiers there, and were 
much in want of them, from the apprehended invasion. 

We remained here about three weeks, and took 
every opportunity of seeing the most noted edifices and 
curiosities of this great city and its vicinity. The 
buildings here are very fine, and so are the public gar- 
dens, which are laid out in most delightful walks, 
shaded by cypress, citrons, myrtles, jessamines, and 
geraniums, interspersed with elegant fountains, the 
most fragrant groves, and shady bowers. Here you 
may seek a retreat from the rays of the sun, and 
reclining at your ease, observe the verdant balmy 
avenues, promenaded by the most lovely women. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 31 

Indeed, the very air of this sweet spot seemed to 
breathe that soft voluptuousness of feeling-, that can 
create none other but the most tender passions, which, 
' indeed, are here cherished in the fondest degree. If 
the fair Eve had a paradise like this, how she could 
commit a deadly sin, I cannot conceive ! 

In company with some brother officers, I went in a 
hackney-chariot, of which there are a great number, 
as in London, for the accommodation of the public, to 
visit Montreal, a small town at a short distance, and 
which has the finest church I ever saw. I do not 
recollect to what Saint it is dedicated, but it is distin- 
guished by noble architecture, fine statuary, superb 
pillars inlaid with mosaic to the very top, and repre- 
senting various kinds of figures, paintings by the 
greatest masters, and altar-pieces of the finest por- 
phyry, adorned by the richest sculpture representing 
Scriptural subjects. Here are also the most valuable 
relics of religion; and the structure is likewise en- 
dowed with costly gifts of jewels, pearls, and all 
kinds of precious treasure ; in short, such is its magni- 
ficence, that I can only regret my inability to do 
justice to it in description. The situation is as elevated 
as the fabric is grand, and on our way to it we were 
continually winding up a steep ascent, which gave us 
a most delightful view of the city and bay below, with 



32 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

our fleet at anchor; but this was surpassed by the 
country around, which was for the most part composed 
of plantations of orange-groves, interspersed with 
olives ; indeed, so plentiful was the former fruit, that 
the country-people ate it with bread as our peasants 
do cheese. Even the little children on the road ran 
after our carriage with small branches of this tree, con- 
taining four or five fine oranges in a cluster, in hopes 
of receiving a few halfpence : these oranges, when cut 
in two, produced a juice as red as the coats on our 
backs, from being engrafted on the pomegranate- 
tree, and they are certainly the finest species of this 
kind of fruit in Europe. 

We every day came on shore to enjoy the fine 
walks, the grand prospects, and the amusements of 
this fascinating place, on which Art and Nature have 
been so profuse in lavishing their beauties, the whole of 
which we were only prevented from enjoying, by For- 
tune not being quite sO bountiful in the embellishment 
of our purses. 

It was with great regret we were obliged to quit 
this charming town and all its fascinations, but it is 
rarely the fate of a soldier to remain long in one place. 
We proceeded to Messina, where we landed, and 
marched the same day into the interior, so that we had 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 33 

not an opportunity of seeing much of that great city, 
but in passing through it, observed that it had suffered 
much from the convulsions of Nature : and so exceed- 
ingly subject is this place to earthquakes, that we felt 
a severe shock of one during the time we lay along- 
side the quay, which agitated the water so as to 
occasion great motion to be felt in our ship ; but the 
natives appeared to regard the phenomenon with much 
unconcern. 

Our road was here truly romantic: we had many 
glens and vales to pass, and precipices and mountains 
to ascend, one of which struck us all with conster- 
nation ; for on arriving at the summit, it appeared as if 
it had been cleft asunder; and in reality so it had: 
I suppose, by one of those tremendous shocks so 
frequent in that country. The opening was about 
fifteen feet wide, and so deep that the bottom could 
not be seen ; it appeared as if the earth had yawned 
with wide-extended jaws to receive us into her bowels. 
This gulph we were compelled to cross by files, by 
means of a plank placed across, and a rope on one 
side to steady us; only one could pass at a time, from 
the apparent flimsy construction of this bridge, over 
which, however, the mountaineers ran with the 
greatest indifference. Passing this defile as fast as 
the incumbrance of our accoutrements would permit, 

D 



34 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

we soon reached our quarters, which were in pretty 
villages, dispersed over the heights of this singularly 
diversified country. 

Our men, after being so long at sea, now began to 
find themselves very comfortable, and asked for a 
little money to add to their happiness ; when, although 
I gave them only the value of one sixpence each, to 
my great surprise, on visiting their rooms, I found 
them all completely intoxicated, the wine being here 
so exceedingly strong and cheap — about one penny 
per bottle ; this circumstance made me more cautious 
in future how I distributed their pay. 

The village in which I was quartered was named 
Jesso, and a most excellent billet I had. My habita- 
tion was a very large monastery, part of which was 
allotted to the men, and the remainder occupied by a 
great number of jolly fat Friars: indeed, I may well 
call them such, for they gave me one of their cells 
with a bed, crucifix, beads, and every apparatus simi- 
lar to their own ; and every evening, on returning from 
the mess, I received a constant visit from the Abbot, 
with a bottle of excellent wine in one hand, and a 
plate of fine fruit in the other, the produce of his own 
vineyard: over this we used in general to sit and talk, 
although he knew not a word of English but " Long 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 35 

live King* George de Third, 1 ' nor I one word of Italian 
but " Bono vino, Signor." Another great advantage I 
had in this cloister was the romantic and delightful 
view from the window of my cell ; for, independent 
of the most picturesque coup-d'ceil of every thing that 
could be found in rural scenery, was Mount iEtna 
throwing out clouds of smoke on the one side; and 
on the other, in the midst of the sea, Mount Strom- 
boli vomiting a perpetual torrent of flame. This last 
phenomenon being at so great a distance, appeared 
to me like a light-house well lighted; and it was, 
perhaps, intended as such by nature, to caution the 
wandering mariner against the dreaded rocks of Scylla 
and Charybdis. 

In this agreeable society time passed pleasantly 
enough: but the duty was rather severe, as our 
picquets had to descend a great distance to gain the 
beach, where it was conjectured a landing might be 
attempted. This descent was easily effected; but it 
took us some hours to return, owing to the difficulty 
of re-ascending these precipices, which were rendered 
very slippery by the wet weather. We were now 
ordered to retrace our route to Messina, there to 
re-embark and proceed to Syracuse. In the spacious 
harbour of that place, (for a finer, I suppose, there 
is not in the universe,) we remained at anchor about 

d 2 



36 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

a month, disembarking' our men daily to exercise: 
this duty finished, we amused ourselves by visiting 
this now small town, once the emporium of the 
world. It even yet bears evident marks of its once 
towering- grandeur, in the mouldering- ruins, scattered 
in ponderous heaps over an immense space. In my 
perambulations about this ancient town and its envi- 
rons, my attention was continually engag-ed by the 
amazing- masses of grand antiquity that presented 
themselves; " the gorgeous palaces, the solemn 
temples" — all dwindled away. Among these I ob- 
served the pillars of Jupiter Olympus, which have at 
present the appearance of two columns, such as might 
be met with in some old abbey in my own country. 

I then visited the fountain of Alpheus and Arethusa, 
where I was informed I should find the most beautiful 
nymphs bathing ; and so I did ; but they were in the 
shape of smart young washerwomen, with their petti- 
coats tucked up far beyond their knees, scrubbing 
their linen. The baths, which have still the remains 
of grandeur, are now the receptacle of all kinds of 
filth. 

I next went in company with several others to see 
the cave of Dionysius, where that tyrant used to con- 
fine all persons suspected of treason. This horrible 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 37 

and extensive cavern was cut out of a solid rock, in 
the shape of a man's ear, with a tube at the end, 
communicating with a secret chamber, in which this 
king used to sit and listen to the conversation of the 
prisoners below ; and if any of them displeased him 
by their discourse, he directly ordered them to be 
decapitated in his presence. To this secret chamber 
there is now no access but by means of a rope, slung 
through a pulley, at the bottom of which is tied a 
piece of wood. Across this the curious put their legs, 
and are thus drawn up to a height of about two hun- 
dred feet. On this slight conductor, one of my com- 
panions got across, with the intention of being drawn 
up a little way, and after that let down again. 
Having gone about twenty yards, he called out lustily 
to be let down; but the Sicilians mistaking this for 
his anxiety to go faster, pulled with greater velocity, 
and he soon arrived at the secret chamber, where 
there was a man stationed to haul him in — after which 
they let off some patararas in the cave below, which 
made a roaring louder than the loudest thunder. The 
difficulty was now to get him down, which was 
effected by the guide above tying a handkerchief 
round the waist of our adventurer and the rope, by 
which method he was lowered in perfect safety. 
There were some naval gentlemen looking on, who 
were used to rope exercise, but they would not ven- 



38 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

ture up, so perilous did this expedition appear. Indeed, 
we were all quite satisfied with the description our 
friend gave of it, without going through the same 
aerial exploit. 

We next went to view the Amphitheatres, some of 
which were nearly perfect: they gave us a good idea, 
from their spaciousness, of the immense number of 
spectators that must have assembled together, to 
witness the gladiators and public tournaments, when 
in the zenith of their glory; but, in their present 
state, they only reminded us of the gradual rise 
and rapid fall of the most flourishing cities of anti- 
quity. 

From these remains we walked to pay our respects 
to the inhabitants of the regions of the dead — a kind 
of sepulchre under their churches. Here we saw 
thousands of their forefathers, who had not been in 
existence for many centuries, all standing upright, 
by means of wires by which they are suspended, and 
in great preservation, having gone through a certain 
process of embalming, something, I should suppose, 
in the manner of the Egyptian mummies. It was 
very remarkable that in this awful abode there was 
not the least disagreeable smell ; but the physiognomy 
of some of the figures was horribly ghastly— -a cir- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 39 

cumstance plainly distinguishable by the burning' of 
several lamps : indeed, the scene was not calculated 
to gratify any other feeling than that of curiosity. 
These receptacles of the dead are visited once a year 
by the relatives of the deceased, who kiss them, bow 
to them, kneel to them, and pray for them, and show 
them every respect, as if they were alive. 

Our next visit was to the catacombs — another habi- 
tation of those who have long since departed this 
life. These are subterraneous vaults, cut out of the 
rock, of such an amazing extent that the termination 
is not now to be found. In the passages niches are 
cut, in which the bodies are placed as if in a coffin ; 
they are most wonderful undertakings, and show 
what care and trouble the ancients must have taken 
for the accommodation and preservation of their dead: 
indeed, we might almost imagine that they paid more 
respect to their deceased parents, in former times, 
than the present generation do to their living rela- 
tions. 

The various relics of antiquity in this place are so 
numerous, that I must refer my readers to the more 
interesting pages of Bridone, for a full and correct 
description of this beautiful and curious island. Mine 
is not a book of travels, but is intended merely to give 



40 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

an idea of the variety of scenes which those who 
embrace the profession of arms are likely to witness. 

Before quitting the subject of this enchanting* coun- 
try, I cannot refrain mentioning the very moderate 
price of provisions here. My friends may recollect, 
when I first entered the military life, I was spending 
more than double my pay ; in this island I could not make 
away with one half of it, for it only cost me one shil- 
ling a day for my messing — indeed, I could have lived 
on my rations (for which I paid twopence halfpenny 
only), being allowed a pint of good wine per day, 
besides bread and meat ; but I chose to pay the above 
sum for the delicacies of the season. 

At length we received orders to quit Sicily, and 
reluctantly set sail for Cadiz, to join the other part of 
the expedition, which had proceeded to that port, and 
had not for a length of time known what had become 
of us. On our way we touched at Malta, where we 
came to anchor for the night; but had not time to see 
this strong fortress, except from the offing: it ap- 
peared to be wonderfully fortified. The next morning 
we got under weigh, favoured by a gentle breeze ; 
and nothing more than plain sailing occurred during 
our passage, except that one night, as we were going 
pleasantly before the wind, every one snug in his 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 41 

berth but myself, being with the watch on deck, we 
perceived a large ship close on our stern, which the 
mate hailed, and desired to keep off; but hardly were 
the words out of his mouth, when down she came 
upon us with a tremendous crash, In an instant the 
commanding officer and all hands were upon deck, in 
their undressed state, to know what was the matter, 
supposing we had struck on a rock and were going to 
find a watery grave. Of course the first person the 
Commandant called for was the officer of the watch : 
on perceiving me, he saluted me with, ei God help me ! 
God help me, Sir! what is the cause of all this 
commotion?" I related the particulars to him, which 
convinced him that no blame attached to us; and, 
observing that I was busy with the men on duty in 
assisting to get clear of our unwelcome visitor, he 
soon returned to his warm berth again. The case 
was very different with our poor little doctor, who 
was the greatest sufferer ; for his berth being near the 
stern, where there was a large utensil, which he in 
general contrived to keep pretty full, this was unfor- 
tunately broken to pieces, and the contents nearly 
smothered the poor little man, who, as he appeared on 
deck in this shivering plight, was the cause of afford- 
ing us much mirth. He, however, soon retired to 
shift his night-robes, and change his resting-place to 
a drier corner. This accident was very severe, and 



42 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



caused our vessel considerable damage — smashed the 
skiff, stove in her stern, carried away the main chains, 
and otherwise materially injured her. 



Soon after this occurrence we made the rock of 
Gibraltar: we took in a small supply of water, and 
stood on for Cadiz, where we arrived the next day, 
and joined our expedition, after being separated more 
than three months. We were received with great 
pleasure by our old acquaintances, who, while they 
were in harbour, pitied our unfortunate fate, thinking 
our rotten transport could not have outlived the length 
and fury of that outrageous storm. However, I con- 
sider we had by far the best of it ; as I should have 
been sorry to have exchanged the opportunity of 
seeing the Mediterranean Islands, particularly that 
kingdom which was once esteemed the garden of the 
world, for their view of Falmouth. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 43 



CHAPTER III. 

Wide o'er th' ensanguin'd field, with carnage strew'd, 

In horrid triumph Death exulting strode ; 

And piteous was the sight of slaughter there, 

And thrilling were the groans of agony. 

But soon the warrior in the battle-field 

Becomes familiar with these scenes of blood ; 

By duty lesson'd, and by custom taught, 

Their horrors views with unaverted eye, 

Though still of feeling soul — nor less humane 

Than he, with sinews yet unused to war, 

Who would turn^pale, and sicken at the sight. 

Penrose. 

The bustle and gaiety of this fine town, although 
in a state of bombardment by the French fleet at the 
time, afforded us considerable amusement and plea- 
sure during our continuance ; for here, indeed, gaiety 
itself appeared, attended by all the Graces, in the 
lovely persons of the Spanish ladies, who, after their 
siesta* promenaded the public walks (the shot from 
the enemy not reaching farther than the suburbs) in 
the greatest crowds, and with the most stately and 
graceful deportment. It is a pity my fair country- 
women have not an opportunity of imitating their 

* A sleep after dinner — a general custom in Spain. 



44 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

majestic carriage, which is the only acquisition in 
which these pretty brunettes have the advantage; 
for, with respect to every other grace and virtue, 
no nation in the universe can possibly claim the pre- 
eminence. 

The attack upon Ceuta having been abandoned, in 
consequence of the dispersion of the fleet, and other 
affairs of greater moment demanding our exertions, 
our troops were for the present to be disembarked at 
Santa Maria, on the opposite side, where we remained 
very comfortably situated for about three weeks ; but 
the weather was so excessively hot, that we were 
obliged to exercise in the night, and sleep during the 
meridian heat — a heat, indeed, so intense; that the 
Spaniards have a proverb, which says, that only 
Englishmen and dogs are to be seen in the streets at 
that time. 

We now received orders to embark and join our 
great chief, Sir Arthur Wellesley, who subsequently 
so conspicuously distinguished himself in the late 
glorious war. This intelligence gave me the greatest 
joy; I was now in hopes of gaining some of those 
laurels of which I was deprived on the expedition to 
Copenhagen. We sailed, and reached Portugal 
before the army had commenced its march, and landed 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 45 

at Figueras with as little delay as possible, but with 
the greatest difficulty, owing to a most tremendous 
high surf, in which the inhabitants were obliged to 
come naked and take the men from the boats, to pre- 
vent their ammunition from being wet : this was at- 
tended with some danger, several of the boats being 
swamped. Having landed without any serious accident, 
after a long and tiresome march, for the most part up 
to our ancles in sand, we came into camp with the 
grand army that evening. 

I was rather premature, when I remarked, on my 
first joining the regiment, that then began my life as 
a soldier: I had hitherto partaken more of that of a 
sailor — now indeed was the martial life commenced, 
and that too in the most irksome manner ; the fatigues 
of which are probably more severely felt by those 
moving in the situation of Subalterns, than by any 
others. Many of those officers, I am persuaded, did 
they please to dedicate a little time to the illustration 
of the active part of their career, would accumulate 
honour for themselves, and benefit their profession. 
Indeed, had I the just pretensions belonging to many 
of my friends who have served in these campaigns, de- 
licacy would prevail over my inclinations also, and I 
should rather attempt to smother than mention my ser- 
vices, fearing a narration of them might appear like 



40 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

ostentation or egotism. But as they are trifling in 
comparison with what most of my military readers 
have met with, I am under no such apprehension, par- 
ticularly as I am aware that the life of a Subaltern, 
however imperfectly told, will, if replete with greater 
incident, be read by a generous public with greater 
interest, than that of a Field Marshal. But to resume 
the thread of my narrative. On our arrival in camp, 
the first thing- done was to select the officers and men 
for duty ; this falling on me, I was instantly placed 
on the quarter-guard, stationed on the top of a hill 
which commanded an extensive view of all approach 
to the camp. Here was my couch for the nights— a 
great contrast to the snug warm berth I had been used 
to on my marine excursion : indeed, I now began to 
wish I had made choice of the Navy for my pro- 
fession, from its greater apparent advantages. 

We did not halt long here ; for the enemy being in 
the immediate neighbourhood, and hovering about us 
in every direction, it was found necessary to proceed 
to active operations ; for which purpose we had pre- 
vious directions to land in light marching order, that 
is, with not more than one man can carry on his back. 
My kit consisted of only two shirts, two pair of 
stockings, and other little necessaries in my haversack, 
with a great coat, and three days' provisions — which, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 47 

however, was a very fatiguing load in this hot climate : 
the men are of course more burdened, but then they 
are from infancy more inured to hardships, and pro- 
portionably better able to bear the inclemency of the 
« weather, and the fatigues and privations incident to 
war, than those who are nursed in the lap of luxury, 
which, unfortunately for me, had been my lot in the 
early part of my life ; and I had been rendered almost 
too delicate for this hardy service, by the over-anxiety 
and care of too fond a mother. 

Before entering upon the account of my first cam- 
paign, I think it necessary to observe, that were I to 
mention every particular occurrence — the state of the 
weather, the number of leagues of each day's march 
and countermarch, for the thousand of miles I tra- 
velled the country, almost incessantly for the space of 
six years, with the names of the different halting- 
places, and the daily duty which is usually performed, 
it would swell this work to an endless extent, and 
would render it quite insipid, from the constant and 
unavoidable repetitions. I shall therefore give the 
reader a general idea of our daily route, which was 
commonly observed throughout the whole of our ope- 
rations, by giving a condensed view of one day's 
march, and can afterwards repeat any extraordinary 



48 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

journey, should I find it necessary for the better eluci- 
dating- of different events. 

One day's march. — The route having been received, 
the drum beats at any hour of the day or night, as 
occasion may require, to assemble the troops — I 
cannot say in all cases to strike the tents, for in this 
campaign we had none. After the Adjutant has col- 
lected the reports, the troops move off in as large di- 
visions as the nature of the road will permit to march 
commodiously, encountering the dust or the rain, the 
heat or the cold, the mountain or the valley, as the cli- 
mate or the country may chance to present, till they 
arrive at the ground on which they are to bivouac for 
the night. Here, after piling arms, parties are sent 
out under the superintendance of a Subaltern to fetch 
water, others to draw rations, some to cut wood both 
for fuel and to build huts, while others are selected 
for guard, piquet, foraging, and other duties. This 
being done, fires are lighted, and (should the utensils 
have arrived) cooking commences. After getting a 
scanty meal, a parade is formed, to see that the men 
have cleaned themselves and their accoutrements, in 
readiness for the next day's march, and that they have 
their necessaries, particularly their ammunition, com- 
plete. This daily routine of duty being performed, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 49 

the soldier is glad to lie down soon after on his bed of 
fern, straw, or, if nothing else is to be had, to repose 
his wearied limbs on that cold bed which will eventu- 
ally receive him into its bosom. 

Being now entirely equipped for the ensuing cam- 
paign — having provided bill-hooks, camp-kettles, and 
mules for carrying them, with baggage-horses and 
every other convenience, we broke up camp to prose- 
cute our active duties, and continued marching till we 
came up with the enemy, who had taken an amazingly 
strong position on the heights of Rolessa, from which, 
after marching four leagues that day, we had to attack 
and dislodge them. Measures being accordingly 
taken, by executing such manoeuvres as would bring 
us in contact with the foe — having 1 previously fixed bay- 
onets, primed and loaded, &c. we drew nearer and 
nearer to the scene of action. It was now that I could 
have dispensed with the honours of a military life ; and 
had it been as honourable to have gone to the rear as 
to the front, I should certainly have preferred the 
former, and that in double quick time; for whatever 
heroes may say, yet to me I must confess it caused a 
little imperceptible tremor, notwithstanding the brave 
-and manly admonitions of Sir George. I wag, however, 
fully convinced of the truth of his assertions ; therefore, 
stifling this sensation, I soon found that spirit which I 

E 



50 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

imbibed from ray ancestors take possession of my heart, 
and which, thank God ! never forsook me in the hour 
of danger. 

We now began to advance over those who had fal- 
len : among them was my brother Sub, who had been 
out skirmishing; and we came under what I then 
thought a pretty hot fire, both of field-pieces and mus- 
ketry, not having witnessed the like before : but this I 
found was a mere joke to what I was hereafter to ex- 
perience. However, it gave me a seasoning — as I was 
soon after knocked down by a musket-ball striking me 
on the left groin ; and I only attribute escaping a se- 
vere wound to having some papers in the pocket of my 
pantaloons, which prevented its penetrating the flesh ; 
but it caused a great contusion : I was, however, in a 
few minutes able to proceed with the regiment, and 
soon had the pleasure of seeing the French flying 
before us. We followed them till the lateness of the 
evening compelled us to halt, when, this being the first 
field of glory I had the honour of sharing in, I could 
not help noticing immediately at my feet a fine youth 
who was shot through some vital part. This poor sol- 
dier, when I first observed him, was lying on his back, 
his head supported by his knapsack: his visage ap- 
peared serene and calm, with a very healthy, ruddy 
colour in his manly cheeks : but every time I looked 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 51 

at him, I perceived his countenance gradually be- 
coming- paler, and his fine blue eyes losing- their lustre, 
which I observed soon became fixed in death, without 
his uttering a groan or a struggle. 

From reflecting on this mournful spectacle, I was 
soon diverted, by being ordered to go on the out-post 
of a field-officer's piquet, about two miles in advance. 
I went accordingly, and took my station behind a furze- 
hedge, from which I could hear the French videttes 
talk as plainly as I now hear the passengers under my 
window. 

I was now, for the first time, on an out-pust before 
the enemy ; no covering but my great-coat — no pillow 
but my cocked hat. The fine ornaments which had 
shone so conspicuously on the parades on home ser- 
vice, b^gan to lose their brilliancy ; the glittering epau- 
lette was crushed into a thousand forms, and the pretty 
tight boot cut with many a slit to ease the blistered 
foot. Most glad was I to feel the morning sun warm 
my dewy limbs ; and, hardly had it made its appear- 
ance, when we were called in, and had but just time to 
get a little warm tea, so refreshing to the weary frame, 
when off we marched in pursuit of the enemy, whom 
we followed up for a few r days, till we reached the field 
of Vimiera, where we halted some time. 

e 2 



52 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

About nine o'clock on the morning of the third 
day, we perceived the French in great force on the . 
heights of Torres-Vedras, coming down upon us, 
formed in strong divisions, and in the most regular 
array. We quickly stood to our arms, and marched to 
our alarm-posts, which soon brought the contending 
bodies in contact; when, forming the line with the 
71st Regiment, which had been engaged some time 
previously, we came in for our share of the conflict of 
that day, by being opposed to a strong French regi- 
ment, which advanced to within half pistol-shot of 
us, when a most tremendous point blank fire ensued. 
This not proving effectual, Charge ! was the word new 
vociferated from flank to centre : but, on their seeing 
us come to this awful position of destruction in the 
art of war, they had not courage to withstand our im- 
petuous movement; for just as we were in the act of 
crossing bayonets, to the right-about they went, in the 
quickest time. We followed as rapidly, driving them 
from their artillery, I believe, about twelve field-pieces, 
passing it on the right flank at the same time the Tlst 
Regiment did on the left, and I trust we had an equal 
share in the honour of capturing them. 

The French, however, having now gained pos- 
session of the village on the heights, which had been 
strongly barricaded, remained there for the present, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 53 

and we received orders to halt in the ravine. Indeed, 
.a little breathing-time had become very necessary, as 
we had for the last two hours been firing, shouting, 
running, swearing, sweating and huzzaing. 

On the ground was found General Brenier, con- 
cealed in the rushes: he had been wounded in the 
leg, and was now taken prisoner, and brought to our 
surgeon to dress. On cutting off his boot, we were 
surprised to find he had no stockings on; on this 
being observed to him, he very coolly replied, " Le 
soldat Fran^ais n'a pas besoin de bas. ,, From this 
place we were ordered to make a retrograde move- 
ment, as a ruse de guerre; which had the desired 
effect of enticing the enemy to rally. Having thus 
drawn them to a sufficient distance from their fast- 
nesses, we came to our proper front, and gave them 
such a reception that they again ran off, and took pos- 
session of their strong hold, whence we soon had the 
pleasure of seeing the gallant Riflemen completely 
drive them. It was near this spot that I saw, as we 
advanced, a Scotch piper of the 71st Regiment lying 
on the ground wounded. This, however, did not 
prevent his cheering his comrades on to glory with 
their national music. They certainly are a brave peo- 
ple ; but as to their being more so than their neigh- 



54 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

bours, I never saw any thing- in them, as men or 
soldiers, to make me think that they were. 

We were not allowed to pursue the enemy farther 
than this village, being informed that we had done 
enough for that day. Why we were not permitted to 
do more, when we had it in our power, I am at a loss 
to conjecture — it is best known to those who were 
there, and held a higher command. It is not my pro- 
vince to comment on the conduct or orders of my 
superiors in rank — I am now merely recording what 
occurred to myself: and this reminds me of my levity 
previous to the engagement; for, being in general 
blessed with a good flow of spirits, and making it a 
rule to put on the best face I was able on every 
unpleasant occasion, even were it only for example, 
I was laughing and joking, when one of my brother- 
officers came to me, with his visage very much cast 
down, being unwell at the time, and remarked that I 
ought to be thinking of something more serious at 
that critical moment. He observed that many a fine 
fellow would soon be laid low, and sent to the next 
world; adding, that he had a presentiment that some- 
thing fatal would that day happen to himself. The 
poor fellow, in about ten minutes after, received a 
cannon-ball in his neck, which almost severed his 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 55 

head from his body. Another occurrence happened, 
previous to our line advancing", to my brother Sub, 
which had nearly terminated in a similar manner. He 
was very near-sighted, and the French artillery play- 
ing* on us at some distance, the unevenness of the 
ground made the balls come hopping similar to those 
bowled at cricket, which caused the men to open right 
and left to let them pass : at one of these openings 
this officer stood, and addressing himself to me, asked 
what was the matter? I replied, " Do not you see 
what is coming ?" at the same time giving him a hard 
pull, I was the means of saving him from that sudden 
death the other had just experienced; however, 
taking his quizzing-glass to his assistance, he gladly 
observed the ball pass about one hundred yards to 
his rear. 

When this day's fight was over, those who had 
escaped had congratulated each other on their good 
fortune. Amongst these was an officer who had his 
hat much shattered by the splinter of a shell, which a 
junior one perceiving, said — " Oh, my dear fellow, I 
am very sorry to see your hat so broken !" — " Thank 
you, 1 ' replied the other, " but I suppose you would 
rather have seen my head, and then you would have 
risen a step." 



56 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

We now returned to our former ground, and imme- 
diately fell to work making- fires to boil our kettles •; 
for, though the killed and wounded presented shock- 
ing sights on all sides, this did not take away our 
appetites: the more habitual a distressing scene 
becomes, the less it is regarded, till at length such 
sights are rendered familiar. 

We went to sleep on this bed of honour with as 
much unconcern as if it had been on soft and downy 
beds at home, hoping that the morning's dawn would 
lead us on to a rapid pursuit. As usual, one hour 
before daylight we stood to our arms; but, to our 
astonishment, we received no orders to follow the 
enemy. I well recollect the observation of every 
individual — " What keeps us here after so complete a 
victory? why do we not advance and overtake the 
foe?" No one could tell — all was conjecture and 
amazement, till we were at length informed of the 
well-known Convention of Cintra, which put an end 
to this campaign. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 57 



CHAPTER IV. 

Convention is the dwarfish demon styled, 
That foil'd the Knights in Marialva's dome, 
And turn'd a nation's short-lived joy to gloom. 
Here folly dash'd to earth the victor's plume, 
And policy regain'd what arms had lost. 

\ Byron, 

An armistice now took place, and such terms having* 
been agreed on between the chiefs of the two con- 
tending armies as enabled the French to abandon the 
kingdom without farther molestation, we continued 
a leisurely march to Lisbon. After about three days, 
we halted in a most delightful spot, in the midst of 
vineyards, olives, and orange-groves. My comrade 
and myself set about constructing our little hut, and 
pitched upon a hollow piece of ground for that purpose. 
This slight shelter merely consisted of a few green 
branches, to screen us from the scorching rays of the 
sun and the dews of the night. A finer evening than 
this there could not be; and at dusk we stretched 
ourselves on our bed, made of fine soft rushes, which 
grew here in great abundance. We had enjoyed the 
blessings of a sound repose but little more than an 
hour, when we were awakened by peals of thunder 



08 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

breaking over our heads ; these became more loud and 
dreadful the nearer they approached, until the whole 
earth seemed to tremble. The thunder was accom- 
panied by vivid flashes of lightning, followed, in a 
few minutes, by the most impetuous torrents of rain. 
Our snug settlement in the ravine was very quickly 
covered with a rapid stream, in which, by the constant 
light of the electric fluid, we perceived all our loose 
articles of dress, the only part we had taken off, such 
as shoes, hats, sashes, belts, &c, all floating away, 
and we had great difficulty in saving them. So heavy 
did the rain fall, that it ran down the boughs of our hut 
like as many water-spouts pouring upon us; and we 
found it more eligible to stand out in the midst of it, 
than to remain in the occupation of the hut. Nor was 
this the worst part of the business ; for I had unfor- 
tunately been very unwell, even before the campaign 
commenced, but feared to acknowledge it, lest it 
might occasion my being left in the rear and deprived 
of the honours of it. As soon as the morn appeared, 
and the rain had ceased, we dried ourselves, by 
collecting all the huts together and setting them on 
fire, and then continued our march to Calloose, where 
the army went into camp for some weeks. I pro- 
ceeded to Lisbon on duty, where I saw the French 
army embarking for France, on board the very 
transports that brought us to this country, agreeably 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 59 

to the late Convention. An extraordinary sight it 
was; for they had their standards displayed in the 
square of Belem, with as much sang-froid as if they 
had been the victorious army, and had dictated the 
agreements. Indeed, they seemed to have some rea- 
son for considering themselves so, from the terms 
they made ; for they embarked with their heavy bag- 
gage, (I should rather say plunder,) their arms, 
horses, and artillery, with colours flying, drums beat- 
ing, bayonets fixed, &c. 

Immediately after the evacuation of Lisbon by the 
French, our regiment received orders to march into 
the city, and was quartered in the citadel. This 
capital has so often been described by its numerous 
visitors, that I shall content myself with observing, 
that I thought it most remarkable for its excessive 
filth; it is not, however, without its advantages. In 
this city we remained about a month, enjoying all the 
amusements of a town life ; but in the midst of these 
pleasures, the route again came to embark and sail for 
Oporto. We had a very pleasant passage ; but it is 
not my intention again to enter into the particulars of 
a sea-voyage, which could only have the effect of 
tiring and perplexing those who have patience to 
peruse these common occurrences. 



60 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

On our arrival off the harbour of Oporto, we found 
that there was not sufficient water to take us over the 
bar, so that we were obliged to take to our boats, and 
land among the rocks. In doing this, there was great 
danger, from the prodigious swell and exceeding high- 
surf which constantly prevail here, and render the 
presence of skilful pilots necessary in landing troops. 
These, when what they call the master-wave made its 
appearance, gave a signal to us with their hats, 
waiting for which we lay upon our oars. As soon as< 
they made the motion, the Portuguese boatmen, who 
were well acquainted with the business, pulled away 
with such surprising quickness, that, from the exact- 
ness of the time which they kept, it was more like 
clock-work than manual labour, and the swell, with 
their dexterity, generally carried the boat high and 
dry on shore. I was told, that had this not been 
the case, the next wave would inevitably have 
swamped the boat: this, however, did not happen in 
a single instance during our disembarkation ; so well 
do these men understand this kind of navigation. 

On our landing, we marched into the fine and 
friendly city of Oporto ; and a most excellent, gene- 
rous, and hospitable town we found it. We were 
here shown the greatest attention possible: I never 
heard men or officers complain of their billets, so 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 61 

accommodating' were the inhabitants in consequence 
of the great intercourse between this place and 
England. Indeed, speaking from my own experience, 
I have ever met with more condescension, respect, 
kindness, and favours from foreigners, even in an 
enemy's country, than I have hitherto found in my 
own : with them, in the hour of need, have I shared 
the frugal repast of the peasant, and the more 
sumptuous entertainment of the grandee. 

From this benevolent town we marched to, join the 
army under the command of Sir John Moore. I 
accompanied my regiment as far as Lamego, where, 
being taken seriously ill, I was left with orders to 
take charge of, and, as soon as I was able, to bring 
on a detachment of convalescents; so that, though 
sick, I was still on duty. 

In the mean time my illness increased to such a 
degree, that my life was despaired of by the Portu- 
guese; and I have since been informed that their 
priests were about to administer extreme unction to 
me. Considering all hopes of recovery over, they 
went through this solemn ceremony peculiar to their 
religion; and having thus, as they thought, sent my 
soul thus to migrate quietly into another world, it 
was not deemed necessary to give me any more 



62 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

medical aid or nutriment in this mortal state. They 
even objected to my servant's rendering- me any 
longer the only assistance I could obtain; for this 
town not being" at this time a sick depot, no surgeon 
of our own was to be had. My servant communicated 
this strange proceeding to an officer who was detained 
in the town; and this gentleman, by means of an 
interpreter, begged they would leave me to my fate, 
stating that I was not of the Catholic religion, and 
that my servant would do every thing necessary for 
me, whether I lived or died. He also desired that he 
might be allowed to pay me every attention. 

In a few days after this event a favourable crisis 
occurred ; and in about three weeks I was able to pro- 
ceed with the detachment to my regiment, which had 
joined the troops under Sir John Moore. This being 
the winter season, I marched with my party a most 
fatiguing route, in the worst of weather, and over 
miserable roads, through dreary woody mountains, 
interspersed with wretched villages, inhabited by the 
most deplorable objects of poverty and filth I ever 
beheld ; in fact, misery appeared to be the only visible 
object of the day. So very offensive was it to enter 
these repulsive abodes, that we should have much pre- 
ferred remaining outside, had it not been for the 
inclemency of this severe and wintry season. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 63 

We had proceeded some distance beyond Almeida, 
and within a few days' march of the army, when we 
were met by an express, informing us that the French 
had reached Astorga, and consequently had cut us off 
from Sir John Moore, who was now in full retreat. 
We therefore joined that part of his army who were, 
like ourselves, cut off; consisting of several entire 
regiments, with various detachments. In fact, this was 
part of General Moore's troops, retrograding on a 
different line of march, encountering similar wet 
weather, equally bad roads, the same if not greater 
distance, and probably more privations, than any other 
part of his army — having no Commissary with us, and 
being obliged to retrace our steps through cork and 
chestnut forests, which were in many places rendered 
impassable from swamps and quagmires. The country, 
too, had been so continually ransacked, that poverty, 
wretchedness, filth, and disease, only were to be met 
with. Every thing that could be got at had already 
been destroyed by the enemy, and Desolation had laid 
her withering hand on all within her grasp. In this 
deplorable state of affairs, I was compelled to endure 
such unusual hardships, immediately on getting the 
better of my late illness, that I was brought to a very 
low condition, and obliged to crave assistance even 
from these unhappy peasants, into whose huts I was 
often driven from weakness, fatigue, and hunger. In 



64 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

these dwellings of sorrow have I frequently begged 
the scanty meal of boiled chestnuts, which these poor 
people cheerfully gave me. This fruit is, indeed, their 
principal food ; the woods in these parts abound with 
it : the poor people gather the chestnuts in the season, 
and preserve them for winter store. They are prepared 
much in the same manner as potatoes are in Ireland, and 
are eaten with salt. 

On our return to Lamego, we embarked in boats, 
and went down the Douro to Oporto. Owing to the 
rapidity of the current, we arrived the next day — a 
distance of about one hundred and fifty miles. On this 
passage we overtook a boat which had just preceded 
ours, but had unfortunately struck on a hidden rock, 
and upset. We passed it, keel uppermost : and the 
day after we saw about two hundred dead bodies 
floating in all directions — there being very few out of 
more than two hundred that embarked, including 
women and children, that were saved. 

Thus I again arrived in this city ; but, from the fa- 
tigue and harrassing duty I had lately endured, I was 
not in the same state of health as when I left it. 
Hardships had brought on a relapse of illness ; and 
from the constant hurry and confusion, I had not an 
opportunity of changing my linen — so that on my 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 65 

arrival at Oporto I was literally swarming with the 
worst description of vermin. In this state the physi- 
cian of the forces visited me, and finding me labouring 
under a severe rheumatic fever, he ordered me to be 
removed to another billet. By great good fortune I 
got into such quarters, in point of grandeur, as I had 
never before met with, in the mansion of a Portuguese 
Fidalgo or grandee. Here was an immediate change 
from absolute wretchedness to the height of magnifi- 
cence ; but a few hours before, I was either exposed 
in an open boat to the rain and the rapidity of a dan- 
gerous current, or perishing in the thick woods ; now, 
I was housed in a superb palace, decorated with the 
most splendid chandeliers, beautiful mirrors, and costly 
furniture. As soon as I entered, my noble and worthy 
host came to pay his respects, and appeared to sympa- 
thise in my miseries. He requested to know my 
wants ; I informed him all I then wished for, in my 
weak state of health, was to retire to rest. A 
sumptuous apartment was immediately prepared, where 
I slept very comfortably, and found myself much 
refreshed; having been provided with clean linen, 
while that which I had on was thrown off and com- 
mitted to the flames, previous to my taking possession 
of my grand bedchamber. 



66 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

The next morning the butler came to know what I 
chose for breakfast, and I informed him my physician 
had prescribed milk diet. He then went away, and 
soon sent a servant, in a rich livery, carrying an urn of 
gold upon a salver of the same metal ; I had only to 
turn this reservoir into a beautiful china basin, when it 
was instantly filled with the richest milk. All this 
appeared like enchantment, when but a day or two 
previous I was getting my scanty repast on the high 
road, and my bed in some old pillaged church, deserted 
house, or open field. I could not help fancying that 
the ancestors of this wealthy man must have been com- 
panions of Pizarro, Gonzalvo, Cortez, or some of those 
adventurers to the New World, and had gained these 
immense riches from the spoils of the innocent natives. 
My breakfast being finished, my patrone paid me a 
morning visit, when he requested to know whether I 
would dine with his family or by myself : I preferred 
the latter, in consequence of my illness. He also 
invited me to take an airing in one of his carriages, 
which I refused for the same reason. He then took 
his leave; and soon after came the steward with a bill 
of fare, to know what I would choose for dinner, and 
whether I would please to have it cooked by a French 
cook, or by their own. I, partly out of compliment, 
preferred their own cookery, with the exception of 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 67 

garlic, which they commonly introduce most profusely 
into their dishes, and to which luxury I afterwards 
became quite reconciled. He desired me to name the 
wine I chose to drink; but this indulgence I was 
obliged to decline, not being allowed to live so high. 

The same etiquette was observed daily; the time 
passed very pleasantly, and I found myself improving* 
in health very fast. I had a fine library for my amuse- 
ment, and a beautiful garden for my recreation, inter- 
sected by most delightful walks and transparent 
fountains, in the basons of which sported multitudes of 
the finny tribe, variegated with the most beautiful gold 
and silvery hues, as if they partook of their owner's 
riches: here were also delightful groves and bowers, 
formed by plantations of orange, lemon, and jes- 
samine tress, woodbines, and various other fragrant 
shrubs. 

In this enviable state of comfort I remained but a 
short time, for it is not a soldier's fate to be allowed a 
long indulgence in the peaceful enjoyment of social 
happiness. I had only been in this hospitable and 
magnificent abode about three weeks, when one morn- 
ing my noble patrone came to my bed-side with a 
woeful countenance, and said, " Ah Senhor ! Senhor !" 

f 2 



68 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

he then paused awhile, and with tears trickling down 
his aged but good-natured and manly visage, proceeded 
to inform me that he had just received certain intelli- 
gence of the French army, which had so recently 
driven the English into the sea at Corunna, being now 
under the command of Marshal Soult, within three 
days' march of this city. 

This unwelcome news was in a few minutes con- 
firmed by my servant bringing me the orderly book, 
in which I had the mortification of seeing orders for 
the British troops, then in the town, to march to 
Lisbon, and the sick to embark on board a transport 
in this port, for the same place. Now the enchant- 
ment was broken : every one was in bustle and con- 
fusion ; some flying with their goods and chattels into 
the interior of the country, there to hide themselves 
in the mountains ; others trying to secrete their wealth 
from the rapacious grasp of that overwhelming host 
which was now about to pour down upon them. 

After taking a grateful farewell of my kind benefac- 
tor, I went on board, and we had nearly suffered a 
great misfortune: for as we were in a very large ship, 
there was not water sufficient to take her over the bar, 
and we were delayed another day. The French being 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 69 

now within one day's march, every countenance wore 
the appearance of despair ; we could not get over by 
the evening's tide, but determined, even contrary to 
the advice of the pilot, to make a dash at all events 
the next morning. It soon arrived, and the advance- 
guard of the enemy were now seen on the neighbour- 
ing heights : we cut our cables, and struck with great 
violence on the bar ; but fortunately the succeeding 
swell carried us clear out to sea, and on our arrival at 
Lisbon we learned that the French had entered imme- 
diately after we had quitted the Douro, which made 
us not a little pleased at our narrow escape from 
being made prisoners by them. 

We here formed a junction with the other troops, 
for all the regiments and detachments that had been 
cut off from joining the northern army were ordered to 
rendezvous at this place; and here, from our great 
numbers, we were formed into battalions, called the 
first and second battalions of detachments, which 
composed a very fine body of men. I was attached to 
the latter. We remained waiting reinforcements about 
six weeks, which appeared to me a long time, not 
having been so long in one place for the last two 
years. I suppose the same struck our commanders, as 
we were desired immediately to re-equip ourselves in 



70 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

complete marching order, and be in readiness to 
move at a moment's notice. The moment soon came, 
and a strong body of troops having arrived from 
England, we left our cantonments at Lamere, in 
the vicinity of this town, and again took the field, 
to commence a more arduous and glorious campaign. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 71 



CHAPTER V. 

By Heaven ! it is a splendid sight to see 
(For one who hath no friend, no brother there) 
Their rival scarfs of rich embroidery — 
Their various arms that glitter in the air ! 
What gallant,war-hounds rouse them from their lair, 
And gnash their fangs, loud yelling for the prey ! 
All join the chase, but few the triumph share: 
The grave shall bear the chiefest prize away, 
And havoc scarce for joy can number their array. 

Bvron. 

We commenced our march for Oporto, to which 
spot our line of operations was directed; and had 
only been on our route about four days, when to our 
great joy we were overtaken by our former General, 
Sir Arthur Wellesley, who came to re-assume the 
command. I well remember with what enthusiastic 
huzzas we cheered him as he passed our line of 
march ; the men from that moment, as if by instinct, 
wore the countenance of confidence which never 
forsook our army even to the conclusion of the 
contest. 

We halted a few days at Coimbra, to be reviewed, 
and a very tight little army it was ; such a one as was 



72 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

soon to make these legions of boasting- invincibles * 
fly, who had, as they termed it, driven the English 
into the sea at Corunna. 

On the march to Oporto, with what pleasure and 
satisfaction, as we moved tediously along the road, 
did I think of revenge on those fellows who had so 
recently broken the enchantment of my princely resi- 
dence, and endangered my liberty on the bar of that 
port! The time was fast approaching, when I was to 
experience the same pleasure that they had enjoyed 
on entering the town — that of seeing them fly in all 
haste, with the addition of leaving the greater part of 
their plunder, baggage, artillery, and many prisoners, 
behind them. On this march we halted a few days 
at Alhobaca, in whose hospitable monastery the friars 
entertained us in the most sumptuous and friendly 
manner. In this religious and spacious mansion, I 
sat down to dinner with about three hundred officers : 
they accommodated us in the grand saloon, with 
their Padre, who appeared to be a venerable, good, 
and agreeable man, at the head of the principal table. 
I am told that this monastery had been granted thirty 



* Previous to the taking of Oporto, they really fancied them- 
selves Invincibles ; for though they were fairly beaten out of the 
field at Vimiera, yet, from the advantageous Convention they 
made at that place, they considered themselves victors. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 73 

thousand dollars yearly to entertain all travellers, 
of whatever nation ; but the French have since burnt 
this magnificent and benevolent institution to the 
ground. 

As we approached nearer to the banks of the 
Douro, every step brought us into scenes more horrid. 
The enemy's advanced posts had in these parts left 
numerous marks of their ravages, and traces of their 
skirmishing. We now began to see the dying and 
the dead: some of these had been mangled in a 
manner too shocking to be described, by the Portu- 
guese female peasants, out of revenge for the brutal 
treatment previously experienced from them. Now 
we passed clusters of inhabitants hanging mutilated 
on one tree, and on the next as many French were 
suspended, all hacked and gored in the same manner, 
by way of retaliation; such was the animosity sub- 
sisting between these inveterate foes! The priests 
were busily employed in taking down their unfor- 
tunate countrymen, praying for them, and burying 
them. 

Having at length reached the banks of the Douro, 
we perceived the enemy in great numbers in the town 
of Oporto, which they had partially fortified, and had 
destroyed the bridge to prevent our crossing. This 



74 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

did not daunt the energy of our Commander, or the 
courage of his troops; we were directly ordered to 
take to our boats, and after a severe conflict the 
enemy were driven from their guns, and the town 
soon after taken possession of. It was with the 
greatest difficulty that the Duke of Dalmatia and his 
staff escaped : and so sudden and successful was the 
attack, that they had not time to sit down to the dinner 
which had been prepared for them ; but, quitting the 
place with precipitation, left this good cheer to the 
conquerors, who so much better deserved it. My 
wishes now became realized by this glorious triumph. 
I had now the satisfaction of seeing the foe run 
helter-skelter away as fast as their legs could carry 
them ; the streets were strewed with their dead, which 
the inhabitants allowed to remain a few days in a 
naked state, as a mark of scorn and derision — a con- 
duct which the French had entailed on themselves by 
the atrocities they had committed in this unfortunate 
town. 

But it still remains for me to describe one of the 
most melancholy tales of woe. We halted here the 
next day for a supply of provisions, of which we were 
much in want, while the light division of the army 
followed up the enemy ; and I took this opportunity 
of paying my good old patrone a congratulatory visit 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 75 

on the expulsion of the French. My astonishment 
may be more easily conceived than described, when, 
on arriving' at the scene of my late happiness, I found 
nothing" but bare walls remaining. The house had 
been completely stripped of all its costly furniture 
and every thing that was valuable, by the desperate 
robbers who were now flying before us. To witness 
the destruction occasioned in this beautiful residence, 
was truly pitiable: on entering*, I perceived the fine 
balustrades broken ; the chandeliers and mirrors were 
shattered to pieces; all the portable furniture had 
been taken away, and the remainder either wantonly 
burned, or otherwise destroyed; the choice pictures 
were defaced, and the walls more resembled a French 
barrack than the abode of a Portuguese Fidalg-o, 
from the obscene paintings that were daubed upon 
them. The beautiful garden was entirely ransacked ; 
the charming walks and fragrant bowers torn up and 
demolished ; the fountains broken to pieces ; and the 
crystal-like water drained off to catch the little fish, 
I suppose to satisfy the wanton appetites of these all- 
devouring marauders. However, I was somewhat 
relieved from my apprehension and sorrow on the 
account of this worthy family, by being informed that 
they had made their escape to England, in a vessel of 
their own, at the time we sailed, with all their plate, 
money, and most valuable property. 



76 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

While here, I went to visit a Welsh gentleman who 
had married a Portuguese lady. He was a resident bf 
this town, on whom I had been billeted on our first 
landing here, and from whose family I received much 
attention, but had been unable to wait on them on my 
last arrival, owing to indisposition. He was not living 
at the same house, but I was directed where I might 
find him. My interview with him proved of the most 
painful description: he met me on the stairs, and 
received me with great kindness, but appeared in a very 
dejected state of mind. He shewed me into the par- 
lour ; and, pointing to an arm-chair, told me that in 
that seat a French officer had, a few hours before, 
blown out the brains of his poor old father-in-law, 
because he would not resign one of his daughters to 
gratify the abominable lust of this detestable assassin, 
who suspected she was secreted in the house, though 
in reality she was fled to the mountains on the first ap- 
proach of the enemy. There was no corroboration of 
this shocking catastrophe necessary, as the blood and 
parts of the skull were still visible in the chamber, but 
the body had been removed. His amiable wife, from 
whom I had received the greatest civility, and whom I 
wished to congratulate on the liberation of their town 
from such vile miscreants, to my regret could not make 
her appearance ; she was too much overwhelmed with 
grief. My friend was about to enter into the particulars 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 77 

of his misfortunes, occasioned by the arbitrary contri- 
butions and severities of the French, when the drum 
beat for us to fall in, and continue the pursuit of the 
routed army. On taking my leave of him, he squeezed 
me by the hand, offering- up at the same time his fervent 
prayers, that we might soon overtake these execrable 
murderers. These sights I merely mention as having 
come under my own observation, and as specimens of 
what must have been the general atrocities, bad state 
of discipline, and insubordination of the French troops, 
under the command of their blood-thirsty leaders. We 
pursued the enemy night and day, barely taking suf- 
ficient rest to support nature, till we came to the fron- 
tiers of Spain, taking a great many prisoners, baggage, 
and commissariat stores. At length, finding them- 
selves so hardly pressed, and not being able to make 
another stand, they were compelled to take to the 
mountains, and disperse in all directions, which ren- 
dered it impossible for a regular army to follow them 
any farther. 

We had no sooner dispersed these legions, than our 
indefatigable Commander-in-chief received information 
of another French army, under the command of Mar- 
shal Jourdan, being concentrated in the neighbourhood 
of Madrid. To this part we were ordered instantly to 
direct our route — an exceedingly severe trial for troops 



78 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

who for the last four months had been incessantly 
harassed, and were now in the greatest want of every 
article of dress, shoes in particular, and of almost 
every comfort of life. The very moment in which we 
thought we should have rest, by ending the campaign 
in the dispersion of the French, brought orders to con- 
tinue a march, with little intermission, of about five 
hundred miles. Yet not a murmur was heard on this 
critical occasion: for what will not British soldiers 
perform under a brave and victorious general % We 
retraced our steps in the first instance from Chaves, a 
frontier town, towards Oporto, the roads being exces- 
sively bad, and the weather very showery, as it was the 
commencement of the spring. A few days after we 
passed through the fine town of Braga, but owing to 
the intricacies of the roads in this unknown part of the 
country ,we penetrated into a forest, where they narrowed 
into unbeaten tracks. There we became benighted, 
and very short of rations, which obliged us to provide 
in the best manner we could for ourselves, till the bugle 
assembled us at day-break. Straying about this wet 
and miry spot, being too cold to sleep, I at last saw a 
light at some distance, and I made towards it. I found 
that it proceeded from a large deserted farm-house ; 
for this situation being near the borders, was more 
open to the country. On entering the house, I found a 
large fire, around which were many soldiers occupied 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 79 

in picking fowls, which they had purloined; and before 
it hung" several half-picked that were roasting ; some 
of the party, more fatigued, lay sleeping about till the 
repast was ready. Having warmed and dried myself, 
I had the good fortune to get some tea made, (a little 
of which we in general carried in our pockets, as 
the baggage, owing to impediments, was frequently 
two or three days' march in the rear,) and eat a leg 
of a fowl, which one of the men gave me, but without 
any bread with it. After this refreshment, I laid 
myself down on a mattress, the covering of which had 
been taken away. Here I got a sound but short nap, 
and waking in the morning, I fancied there was some- 
thing uncommon under me, as the mattress felt hard 
and uneven : on looking, I found, to the agreeable sur- 
prise of myself and the men, who observed they wished 
they had had it last night with the fowls, four immense 
flat loaves of yellow pong, a kind of bread made of 
Indian corn, well known to the troops by the above 
name — quantities of this grain growing here. This 
bread is very sweet and wholesome; it resembles 
pound-cake very much, and constitutes the principal 
food of the inhabitants in this part of Portugal. 

Continuing our long and difficult route, we again 
arrived at Oporto ; through which town we proceeded 
without any delay. One circumstance I ought to 



80 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

notice, which was pointed out to me on passing — this 
was a large opening- in the wall, on the inside of a 
building, out of which the French had taken upwards 
of 100,000 doubloons, about £300,000 English money. 
There is no doubt that they must have had private in- 
formation of the treasure, as the wall had been plas- 
tered up so completely, after it had been deposited, 
that no eye could possibly have discovered the hoard. 

We now trudged on over a vast extent of country : 
into the toils and difficulties of this route I shall not 
enter minutely, as I have already given a general out- 
line of one day's march. Perseverance at length 
brought us to Abrantes, about the centre of Portugal ; 
here we rendezvoused for about three weeks, to give 
the whole army time to concentrate and re-equip, and 
to afford an opportunity for the fresh troops from 
England, then on their march from Lisbon, to join us. 
This being accomplished, we prepared to leave this 
fine encampment for the heart of Spain : I call it a 
fine encampment, because we had had time to build 
our huts with neatnesss, regularity, and strength ; they 
were thatched with boughs, had chimneys, were railed 
in, and formed into regular streets, which gave them 
the appearance of a fine green village. 

Being provided with necessaries, and proper 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 81 

arrangements being made, we broke up camp, and 
soon arrived at Placentia, where we halted a few days. 
This was certainly a most oppressive situation: in 
Portugal we had experienced the most distressing 
cold and wet weather ; it was now as suddenly become 
as intensely hot, and we had very little except the 
olive-trees, which we were prohibited from cutting, to 
screen us from the scorching rays of a sun almost 
vertical. This being an open corn country, we were 
the whole day exposed to its beams, and the ground 
was so exceedingly warm, that it produced the greatest 
number of insects I ever saw. We were infested and 
annoyed, beyond measure, by the scorpions and cen- 
tipedes crawling over us, and the musquitoes stinging 
us in such a manner, that I have frequently seen 
officers and men with their eyes so swollen that they 
could not see out of them for some hours. In the day 
we sometimes amused ourselves by catching these 
scorpions, which we did by turning up a large stone, 
under which there were in general two of these little 
animals nestled together ; then throwing a thread with 
a noose in it over them, and touching them at the same 
time with a straw, they would instantly dart their long 
tails over their heads to sting ; and by drawing the 
noose tight we caught them alive, and hung them on 
a tree as a punishment for their nightly depredations. 
They are very venomous visitors ; one of our men lost 

G 



82 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

his eye from their sting, and many others were 
much hurt by them. 

Our advance continued, and the weather retained 
its sultry heat. Many a weary step, over many a 
dreary league, we dragged through the dusty way ; 
sometimes not seeing a house for days together, some- 
times without a drop of water to wet the parched and 
swollen tongue of the way-dropped soldier — for there 
were many who sunk under the oppression of this ex- 
cessive heat. We had frequently no fuel, not even a 
shrub that would serve as piquet for the baggage- 
horse ; and occasionally no forage was to be had for 
these poor animals after their hard day's labour, in 
which case they had to move on till they came to a 
more verdant spot. However, as our commissariat 
had hitherto procured us plentiful supplies, and we 
received our rations very regularly, we were enabled 
to continue our exertions till we arrived at Talavera 
de la Reyna. 

Here we halted some time ; when, about the third 
day, as we had just commenced cooking, the drum 
beat to arms, and we distinctly heard the advanced 
division under General M'Kenzie, who so gloriously 
fell there, severely engaged. We seized the meat, 
half-cooked as it was, out of the camp-kettles, and 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 83 

putting it into our havresacks, marched off, and 
arrived at the position just in time to receive the 
enemy. They experienced a pretty hot reception from 
our British soldiers, who were a handful in compa- 
rison of their numerous battalions; for it was well 
ascertained that they had from forty to fifty thousand 
men, while the British had barely nineteen drawn up 
in line. This line their legions made repeated efforts 
to break, attacking our flank, centre and flank, and 
flank and centre again; but with very little effect. The 
engagement commenced about four in the afternoon ; 
and towards midnight there was a general cessation 
of fire, as if by mutual consent, each army appearing 
to wish a respite from this destructive carnage. During 
this short pause, by the light of the bright moon, 
reclining on their arms, the expectant warriors stood, 
sanguine for the renewal of the fight; — ere dawn of 
day, the dreadful roar of all-destructive cannon again 
commenced, and a fresh attack ensued even more 
spirited than the former. It was a most tremendous 
day ; such a continual clash of arms, incessant fire of 
musketry, balls whizzing, and shells exploding, that I 
am at a loss to describe the consternation, yet sub- 
limity, of this great battle. 

I must here observe, that, although we had so small 
a number of the British, there were about thirty thou- 

g 2 



84 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

sand of our allies, the Spaniards, in line with us ; but 
they were mere cyphers on the occasion, being neither 
attacked nor engaged during the conflict. My batta- 
lion being on the right of the line, nearly joining 
theirs, I could plainly observe their actions ; they cer- 
tainly fired, but I could not perceive what they fired 
at, nor did I afterwards see many of their troops dead 
on the field, out of about 15,000 who shared that fate. 

Night now began again to draw her sable veil be- 
tween these murderous hosts of mortals ; the musketry 
again ceased, but only as it were to increase the roar 
of cannon. We were now under a most tremendous 
fire of shot and shells; but luckily our flank only 
being exposed to it, they fell in every direction about 
us, without doing material mischief. 

By this time I became much exhausted for want of 
food ; for the meat that we had taken half-cooked with 
us, had, from the heat, become so full of animaleulse, 
that I could eat but little of it ; I therefore gave it to 
the man next me, who, not being quite so nice, gobbled 
it up in a moment. Bread, however, was out of the 
question, and water only to be procured by going into 
greater danger. In this state, as we were resting on 
our arms, notwithstanding the roar of the cannon, I 
fell fast asleep for an hour or two, as soundly as if I 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 85 

had reelined on the softest couch. The dawn re- 
appeared, and one of the men roused me from my 
slumber, which indeed he had some trouble in doing. 
The cannonading had ceased, and we again stood to 
our arms, expecting another attack; but it appeared 
the enemy had got enough of it; for they, as we after- 
wards found, had moved off the ground, taking care to 
leave their advanced sentries to the very last moment. 
These were constantly calling out Qui vive? and 
making a great noise, to make us believe that the 
enemy were still there ; but, as they did not come on to 
renew the contest, our light troops were sent out to 
reconnoitre ; when they found that the French, under 
cover of the night, had taken the opportunity of re- 
treating from the scene of action, leaving us masters 
of this hard-fought field. We then heard at intervals 
a few shots, and learned that they proceeded from the 
Spaniards, who were shooting the wounded French. 
There was in consequence an officer and twenty men 
from each brigade immediately sent out, to protect and 
gather together the wounded enemy : and I was one 
on this duty. I had only gone about one hundred yards, 
when one of my men, who were scattered for the pur- 
pose, called out for me to go to him, and told me that 
a Spaniard, whom he pointed out, was about to shoot 
a Frenchman, badly wounded ; who was crying most 
piteously " Mon Dieu ! Mon Dieu /" I waited to see 



86 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

what were really the Spaniard's intentions: he delibe- 
rately loaded his piece, and was going- to present it at 
this unfortunate creature, when I arrested his arm, and 
sent him away ; but, on looking behind me, I ob- 
served him creeping through the vineyard to return 
and accomplish the diabolical and cowardly act of 
killing a fallen enemy in cool blood ! Gn seeing this.. 
I ordered my men to take the wounded man and re- 
move him from the spot where he was, to some shady 
olive-trees, with which this plain was planted; and 
there I formed a kind .of depot for these poor suffering 
wretches, with a guard to protect them till the carts 
came to take them away. 

This was a. most unpleasant duty: the scenes of 
horror I here witnessed, I cannot, nor do I wish, mi- 
nutely to describe ; but one circumstance I cannot help 
noticing. On passing the ravine where the contest had 
been most severe, I perceived that a quantity of high 
sere grass which grew there had taken fire from the 
wadding of the guns ; and the poor fellows who had 
fallen there, wounded and deprived of the power of 
escape, were literally burnt to death ; which gave them 
all the appearance of pigs that had been roasted. A 
huge desperate-looking bravado of a Spaniard, passing 
at the time, drew his sabre, and deliberately plunged 
it into the body of one of these dead Frenchmen, who 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 87 

could now be distinguished only by their ear-rings, as 
the English and French lay here in mixed numbers, 
with their clothes entirely consumed. He then, pulling 
it out, all reeking with gore, triumphantly made use of 
a common Spanish expression, not proper here to 
mention, looking, at the same time, ferociously at me. 
I certainly thought his conduct most dastardly ; but on 
cool reflection, imagined that his motive was probably 
revenge. He might have had his wife torn from his 
arms, his family contaminated, his house burned, and 
his property destroyed ; or, possibly, the same causes 
to seek satisfaction as my unfortunate friends at 
Oporto : yet, even under such circumstances, I could 
not help thinking it poor and paltry revenge to take 
such useless satisfaction. 

Whatever sensations this gory scene might have 
caused to a reflecting mind, I must confess my own 
was engrossed by thoughts of a more interested 
nature ; for having had nothing for the last two days, 
except one biscuit per man, and the piece of meat I 
have just mentioned, hunger became the most pre- 
dominate feeling. I in vain searched among the dying 
and the dead, in hopes of finding some food to eat; 
but, if they had had any, it had already been taken by 
the men on duty and the Spaniards ; all I could see 
that strewed the field, besides their apparel and ac- 



88 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

coutrements, was an immense number of billet doux, 
for which the French are so famous. For these, how- 
ever, I had at this time very little relish, as they were 
a poor substitute for food. On this disagreeable duty I 
was strolling about, when I met an officer on the staff* 
whom I knew ; and telling him my situation, he shared 
with me a piece of bread, which he luckily had with 
him, and a little wine from his canteen, mixed with 
water, which had now become plentiful, the river, 
before occupied by the enemy, being free of ac- 
cess. This refreshment was a most seasonable and 
opportune relief, and I returned to my battalion, when 
I laid myself down to sleep; and owing to the two 
last days' fatigue, I did not wake till we stood to our 
arms at day-break. 

This day we were in hopes of the arrival of the 
Commissariat, who we expected would have stuck to 
us in the hour of danger, and given us our rations. If 
meat was wanting, they might have given us bread or 
biscuit, or, at any rate, they might have issued out 
wine or spirits ; but, I am sorry to say, no provisions 
were yet delivered to us. I will not attach blame to 
that useful department, because I know not what was 
the cause of this omission ; but this I do know, that 
we were the sufferers, and if the French had possessed 
the resolution to have attacked us another day, they 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 89 

would probably have penetrated our lines, not from 
their physical strength or courage, but owing to our 
exhausted condition, occasioned in a great measure by 
the want of these common necessaries of life. 

The day after the battle came, and we received a 
pint of wheat a man ; the following day the same; and 
the next, if I recollect right, the same. This supply, 
scanty as it might have appeared to those who were 
partaking of the roast-beef of Old England, with us, 
who were partaking in its glory, was as satisfying to 
the craving appetite, as mock-turtle to the pampered 
cit ; for being boiled up with a little chocolate, it as- 
sumed a similar colour, and, what was more pleasing, 
it answered the same end. I cannot here omit a say- 
ing which one of the soldiers made use of on this 
occasion ; which was : " They have given us corn 
to-day ; I suppose they will give us hay to-morrow." 

We remained some days on this field of putrid 
honour, if I may be permitted such an expression. In 
fact, it was literally and truly so ; for the foetid stench 
that proceeded from the spot, was, from the heat of 
the weather, rendered intolerable. Indeed, the system 
of warfare appeared entirely changed; at 'the onset we 
used to bury our dead, but it now became more a-la- 



90 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

mode to let them variegate the field with their 
bleaching bones. 

At this period a most shocking spectacle took place. 
In consequence of many of the Spanish soldiers 
having run away during the action, twenty-seven of 
these unfortunate men, who had been taken, were 
tried by courts-martial, and sentenced to be shot. 
They were placed rank-entire on the battle-field, 
already strewed with dead bodies, and the priests 
having confessed and absolved them, the fatal word 
was given to a company of their own countrymen, 
drawn up for the purpose, to fire ; and in an instant 
these poor wretches lay prostrate, adding to the 
dreadful slaughter, already too great, and affording a 
melancholy example to the cowardly. 

About the fourth day, we received orders to move. 
Mucbiias been said of the retreat from Talavera; but 
at this time there was no such thing in contempla- 
tion — at least as far as I could judge. We moved to 
the rear, it is true ; but this rear had now become our 
front : and the intention of the movement was to meet 
another army which was rapidly advancing upon us, 
under the command of Marshal Soult, whom we had 
so recently put to the route, and dispersed in the 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 91 

mountains to the north of Oporto. He had again 
collected his forces, to the number of twenty thou- 
sand, and was marching" in this direction to attack us ; 
and he had already reached Placentia, when the 
intelligence arrived at our head-quarters. * 

Our great and provident General, taking- his mea- 
sures accordingly, left the Spanish army, which had 
suffered but little in the engagement, to keep posses- 
sion of the field of battle, and protect our sick and 
wounded in the hospitals at Talavera from falling into 
the hands of the enemy ; the force of our allies being 
quite adequate in point of numbers to have stopped 
the progress of the French, in the event of their 
again advancing ; the former having still nearly thirty 
thousand men on the position, and the enemy being 
reduced to about the same number. We, therefore, 
left this glorious, though terrible and sadly offensive 
field, and counter-marched for Placentia, being fully 
persuaded, from the valour of the Spaniards, of the 
security of our poor wounded comrades, who were 
previously comfortably lodged in hospitals, and not, 
as I have heard erroneously represented, abandoned 
by the British army. 

Having taken up our ground for the night at 
Orapesa, a little town about a day's march from Tala- 



92 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



vera, we began to boil our kettles, and make dump- 
lings with the flour that was this day delivered to u&in 
lieu of bread ; when we perceived the Spanish army, 
in whom we had placed such confidence, in full 
retreat, and close at our heels : and to this dastardly 
conduct alone is the abandonment of our unfortunate 
wounded to be attributed, as well as the necessity of 
our commencing a retreat. 



This was the moment that the great discipline 
of British troops shone conspicuous — this was the 
moment that talents and generalship were to be dis- 
played: — a powerful enemy advancing both in front 
and rear ; the Spanish army in confusion, and no con- 
fidence to be placed in them ; and provisions not to be 
had, as the French had cut off our principal supplies. 
These circumstances, together with the heat of the 
weather and the forced and harassing marches, ren^ 
dered the state of affairs truly critical. In this 
dilemma, the most prompt and judicious plans were 
necessary ; and such it will be seen in the sequel were 
adopted by our brave and noble Commander. 



Our advance being, by these circumstances, con- 
verted into a retreat, the plan of operations was con- 
sequently altered. We proceeded towards the south- 
ern frontiers of Portugal, which being, I believe, a 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 93 

track never before pursued by British troops, led us 
completely out of the way of our depots and com- 
missariat stores. We were, therefore, compelled to 
provision ourselves in the best manner we were able ; 
but the all-wise Providence, in whom we trusted, 
never forsakes the brave, or the counsels of the just, 
when acting- in a good and righteous cause. 

This season of the year was exceedingly fine — in 
the midst of harvest, but excessively hot. However, 
we had plenty of forage for our cattle, which kept up 
our baggage. Mine was lost in the confusion of the 
battle of Talavera ; but I was afterwards amply remu- 
nerated for it by the liberality of Government, 

The mention of harvest reminds me of an occur- 
rence of the second day's march on the retreat. — 
Being entirely destitute of provisions, and halting in a 
field of wheat in the sheaf, our cattle living on clover, 
and we on air ; they being turned into one, and we 
into the other; my servant, Thomas Standfast, and 
myself set our wits, which were well sharpened by 
hunger, to work. I undertook the task of rubbing 
out the corn from the ears, and he took one of the 
horses to go and seek what he could find: in about an 
hour he returned, with little success, so many being 
on the same errand, and brought only some ripe mul- 
berries. However, these mixed with the corn and 



94 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

some milk, which a goat that I had caught in the 
mountains gave me, and boiled up together, afforded 
us a most delicious repast, much resembling the fur- 
mety which I got when at school at Marlow : nor did 
I, over this meal, envy the sumptuous banquet of the 
most profuse gourmand. Indeed, our principal em- 
ployment at this time, after the march, was to invent 
new modes of satisfying hunger ; as the Commissariat, 
in these days, thought nothing of letting us shift for 
ourselves for two or three weeks together. 

Under these distressing circumstances, we were 
proceeding in as quick time as large bodies can well 
move, getting for the next fortnight nothing but 
goat's flesh, which we commonly collected and drove 
from the mountains, either on or after the march. 
In fact, so hard were we now pressed for provisions, 
that I hope I am not incorrect in saying, we had 
permission to forage for every article that came under 
that denomination. 

The march now became still more harassing, as 
our brigade brought up the rear, which was closely 
followed by the enemy till we passed the bridge of 
Arza-Bispo. In its neighbourhood we remained three 
days, to get the cannon up a steep mountain ; this 
fatiguing duty came to our turn twice a day, to enter 
on which we had to wade through a river waist 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 95 

high — a very pleasant employment truly, on not very 
full stomachs! however, by attaching about fifty men 
with ropes to each gun, besides oxen, we accom- 
plished this work, with indefatigable labour, in the 
time above specified. 

During our halt here, as some of our men were 
prowling about, seeking wild honey, goats, or any 
thing they could find to satisfy their wants, they by 
chance discovered, secreted in the cavity of a rock, 
about five hundred pairs of Spanish shoes, and a 
great many sacks of flour, which were most season- 
ably divided — the shoes among those who were most 
in need of them, many being now entirely destitute ; 
and the flour equally among the brigade. 

On my returning late, one evening, from this duty, 
I found the troops had crossed the river, which agree- 
ably prevented my recrossing that night; and the 
next morning, on rising from our bed of shingles, 
we continued our route, having previously destroyed 
all the useless lumber that could not be brought away. 
The enemy all this time looked down upon us from 
the opposite hills, neither attacking nor following us 
farther than this place, having had a sufficient exam- 
ple of their temerity on the bloody field of Talavera. 



96 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

Proceeding- by easy marches — the weather still very 
hot, and extremely fine — affairs appeared to wear a 
more cheerful aspect, and every day's journey 
brought us into a more fertile and friendly country. 
We bivouacked in the environs of Truxillo, a very 
fine town, in which is the mansion of Pizarro, the 
conqueror of America, which was now our Bead- 
quarters. Adjoining this, stood the small house of 
his father; who, I am informed, was a cobbler in this 
place, though afterwards enriched by his son's good 
fortune. Curiosity led my comrade and myself to 
visit these buildings, as we had heard that they 
abounded with the choicest rarities of the new world. 
Having seen most of the apartments, we were just 
about quitting them, when the Commander-in-chief 
himself arrived, and inquired our business there; 
and on being informed it was merely curiosity, he 
politely desired us to continue our researches. 

Pursuing our now leisurely retreat, we passed 
through a most delightful and luxuriant country, 
abounding with pleasant villages and towns; among 
which may be mentioned, particularly, Merida and 
Medelin. Oxen are here employed, in general, to 
tread out the corn, there being no barns to house or 
thresh it in. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 97 

There was now no want of supplies, the Commis- 
sary having* joined us ; and every thing" bore the 
appearance of content. We were in a plentiful coun- 
try, and continued our route till we reached the well- 
fortified town of Badajos, and went into camp in the 
wood of Albuquerque, which ended this campaign. 
It was found necessary — in consequence of our having" 
been in the country upwards of two years constantly 
on the alert, and without an opportunity of getting 
other regimentals than those in which we first landed, 
and which were now in a most tattered state — to pro- 
ceed on to Lisbon; no trifling distance! However, not 
to be too prolix in my details, I shall concentre the 
ensuing chapter in the account of one night's ad- 
venture. 



H 



98 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



CHAPTER VI. 



Je traversal je ne sais combien de champs et de bruydres, et 
sautant tous les fosses que je trouvais sur mon passage, j 'arrival 
enfin aupres d'une foret. J'allais m'y jetter, lorsque deux hommes 
a cheval s'offrirent tout-a-coup au-devant de mes pas. 

Gil Blas. 



One Nighfs Adventure on the Road to Lisbon. — We 
now had nearly terminated the march, and halted for 
the night within six leagues of the banks of the 
Tagus, when some circumstance obliged me to pro- 
ceed this distance, about thirty English miles, alone. 
I must observe, that this is one of the most noted 
places in Portugal for all that is dismal, dreary, and 
forlorn — wide extended heaths, immense forests, mur- 
dering banditti, &c. To increase my pleasant antici- 
pations, we had previously been talking about the 
numerous murders and robberies committed in this 
neighbourhood; which, even by a good fireside, and 
snugly seated at our dinner, sounded sufficiently 
frightful and terrific. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 99 

About seven in the evening, I left the battalion to 
go on particular duty, I mounted my horse, having 
now made myself master of one by the fortune of 
war, and set off. I had proceeded about a league 
over the heath when night closed over me, rendered 
more gloomy by the wild-looking waste around. I 
fancied myself, like Gil Bias, made captive by the 
marauders who infest these wilds, dragged into a 
cavern, and perhaps doomed to servility under another 
Dame Leonardo. Other thoughts likewise intruded, 
which created ideas still more horrid. While I in- 
dulged in such meditations, a wolf, a wild boar, a 
large dog, or some such animal, I could not distin- 
guish which, rushed from the brakes ; but at all events 
it kept dogging me for about a mile. Sometimes it 
darted across the road near my horse's head ; at other 
times, I could perceive it lurking behind me: at 
length, I lost it altogether. Proceeding a few miles 
farther, with my mind still absorbed by unpleasant 
intrusions of the imagination, my horse all of a sudden 
made a dead stop, and I saw something very tall and 
white, apparently in the middle of the road. It had 
the resemblance, from what I could discern by the 
light of the stars, of a tall person in a white garment ; 
but to guess what it really was, puzzled me as much 
as it did my horse : indeed, I was much of his opinion, 
being more inclined to go back, than to face this 

LofC. 



100 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

direful ghost-like-looking object before us ; but there 
was no alternative : — I had nearly completed half my 
journey; it was about the hour of midnight, and, 
recollecting that delay is in general the harbinger 
of danger, I again applied the spurs to my Cavallo, 
and made him approach a little nearer; the moon, 
at this moment bursting forth in great splendor from 
behind a dark cloud, discovered most fully to my 
view this terrible, ghastly-looking monster, in its 
real form — that of a beautiful white marble monu- 
ment, which, by the inscription on it, I could discern 
had been erected in this lonely spot to the memory of 
a merchant, who had been murdered here by banditti : 
it did not, however, stand in the middle of the 
road, as I had first imagined, but by the road-side. 
This silent tomb did not at all tend to elevate my 
spirits, and I thought it prudent, in case of accidents, 
to proceed at a slower pace than before, lest by 
going faster I should knock up my horse, which 
had been on the previous day's march, and was 
in low condition. 

I now approached the environs of a dismal-looking 
forest. The trees were stripped of their leaves; the 
moon shone very bright, and the branches being 
moved by a gentle breeze, and their shadows on 
the ground in constant motion, had the appearance 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 101 

of living" objects, showing themselves in all mariner 
of shapes and forms. In passing through this wood, 
I saw at some distance four or five horses, tied to 
a tree, ready accoutred, and as many men lying on 
the ground. From my imagination being on the 
stretch, I conceived them to be banditti in reality; 
accordingly, I grasped my sword, not having pistols 
with me, but recollecting that there was little to be 
expected from its protection, and not wishing to 
appear hostilely inclined, I let it remain in its scab- 
bard ; and as I had no choice but that of going 
forward, I drew nearer, and called out to them. 
They answered in English, which certainly gave 
me some satisfaction; I inquired who they were, 
and was informed, a Quarter-master's baggage be- 
nighted, who had gone on in the day to procure 
billets. I proceeded a few miles farther, and arrived 
at an old house in this forest — the only one I had 
hitherto seen, and at which, as my horse and myself 
were much jaded, I was inclined to stop, and the 
poor animal seemed quite to concur with me, being 
very loath to pass it ; but I had been informed in my 
previous conversation with my brother officers, that 
this was the haunt of nightly adventurers. I saw here 
no kind glimmer of light, nor indeed any friendly 
appearance — nothing of that look of cheerfulness and 
content, which might tempt the way-worn traveller to 



102 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

stop and seek refreshment: on the contrary, it had 
a very different aspect, somewhat wild and appalling ; 
nor did it appear to be inhabited. I gladly left behind 
me this dismal retreat, into which I have no doubt 
many a weary passenger had been dragged by these 
freebooters, and never heard of more, being sacri- 
ficed to the rapacious views of the desperate ruffians. 

I had now approached the skirts of the forest, and 
perceived, at a distance, two men mounted on excellent 
horses. The nearer they drew towards me, the more 
terrific was their appearance : I could plainly distin- 
guish their ferocious countenances; they were as 
dark in their visages, as, from their appearance, I 
took them to be in their hearts ; they had tremendous 
mustachios, large brimmed hats and small feathers,, 
cigars in their mouths, pistols in their waist-belts, 
large mantillas, or cloaks, thrown loosely over them, 
which nearly covered their horses, and at the bottom 
of which appeared the end of a huge cutlass. On 
coming up to me, with a fierce and penetrating look^ 
they sternly said, Bona noche! This unexpectedly 
agreeable salutation I politely returned, thinking 
myself fortunate in passing them so easily ; but I 
suppose, from experience, they had found that there 
is very little use in robbing a soldier: had I been 
a merchant, most likely there would have been cause 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 103 

for another monument in this sequestered thicket. 
I must, however, beg* pardon of those gentlemen, 
if I am wrong in my conjecture ; there never being 
greater room for suspicion from personal appear- 
ances. 

At length I had cleared the wood, and day began 
to dawn ; the sun peeping over the distant hills, and 
glittering with silvery beauty through the dew-drop- 
ping trees. I arrived at a romantic, verdant spot, on 
the banks of a clear brook, when my companion, for 
indeed a horse, on these occasions, may almost be 
permitted to claim this appellation, asked permission 
to stop and take a snack, which he made me under- 
stand by stretching his neck out to reach the green 
herbage under his feet. My feelings being in perfect 
unison with his, I slipped off his bridle and turned 
him out to graze, and seating myself on a craggy 
projecting bank by the stream, ate what the contents 
of my haversack afforded, which I qualified with, 
draughts of the clear water at my feet. 

I now perceived a great dust at a distance, and I 
could not surmise what else was advancing to arrest 
my farther progress on this tedious little journey: 
indeed I now fancied myself another knight-errant, 



104 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

which I certainly was, as far as regarded my Rosi- 
nante, for it was the counterpart of that celebrated 
animal. 

The dust, accompanied with great noise and glitter 
of arms, was fast approaching, and my mind was 
soon relieved from conjecture, by seeing the 27th 
British regiment coming up to join the army. I now 
mounted my horse, and continued my journey. Here 
I could not help observing the long rear this regiment 
had, while our battalion, from being hardened to the 
climate, and used to the roads, kept together like a 
swarm of bees, exhibiting the striking contrast between 
a regiment that had become veterans in the country, 
and those who had just landed. The reason was 
obvious ; the feet of the latter not being hardened to 
the soil, were easily blistered, which caused the num- 
ber of stragglers I met. I am convinced this gallant 
regiment will not be hurt at my remark, as I appre- 
hend all are much in the same way on their first 
arrival. 

Soon after passing this regiment I reached Aldei- 
golega, the place of my destination, and glad enough 
I was to get into a billet. I got some tea, and my 
horse some straw, which is here almost their only 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 105 

food, and then went to bed — the only one in which I 
had slept for the last nine months. I thought with 
pleasure of my safe arrival, with so few obstructions, 
on so lonely and dismal a road; and soon resigned 
myself to a sleep so sound, that I did not even dream 
of ghosts, wild beasts, or banditti. 



106 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Here Britain's matchless fortress frown'd from high, 

Proud on the lofty and stupendous rock, 

Where awful nature spurns the aid of art 

To guard her giant strength ; defiance bold, 

The island mistress of the mighty seas 

Hurl'd from its summit, to the vain attempt 

Of foes to dispossess her of her reign 

Over the narrow water, that divides 

Europe's fair realms from Afric's burning shore. 

Clark's Siege, 



Having arrived at Lisbon, we remained there a few 
days, and were then ordered to embark for England. 
We got rid of all our camp-equipage and cattle, 
which compelled me very reluctantly to dispose of my 
old friend, Fawn, (this name I had given my horse, on 
account of its colour) ; but I took care to procure him 
a good master, for no servant better deserved one. 

In our passage we were much buffetted about by 
bad weather, and driven into the Scilly islands : here 
we remained some time wind-bound, which did not 
much displease us; for they are most delightfully 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 107 

situated, living is remarkably cheap, and the inhabit- 
ants gave us an idea of old England again. From the 
many hardships we had experienced in the country we 
had just left, we fancied this plentiful place a com- 
plete retreat of security and contentment ; and had I 
had my choice, I would gladly have accepted a snug 
little cot, with competency and tranquillity, in these 
sweet little islands, in preference to an unsettled duke- 
dom of the continent; and would willingly have 
resigned the delicious wines, choice fruits, and tempt- 
ing viands, of the Peninsula, with all its broils and 
contentions, for this peaceful abode. 

Quitting this rocky harbour, we arrived at Gosport, 
where we landed, as may easily be conceived, in a 
most motley and tattered condition. Our coats were 
patched over with different coloured cloth, for which 
purpose we had even cut off our skirts. My own coat 
was mended with the breeches of a dead Frenchman, 
which I found on the field — the only trophy I yet had 
to boast of having retained from the spoils of the 
enemy. In this state we marched for Salisbury, when 
we were invited to dine with the Mayor and Corpo- 
ration of that town. It so happened that I sat next 
to a major of the local militia, whose splendid uniform 
and sparkling epaulettes, contrasted with the thread- 
worn patched jacket and mud-like looking shoulder- 



108 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

knot, once so brilliant on these parades, afforded a 
fertile source of a'musement for the jocose part of the 
company. However, the jest was rather in my fa- 
vour — a circumstance which caused some mortification 
to my bedizened neighbour. 

In this town our battalion was broken up ; each 
detachment proceeding- to join its respective regiment. 
I marched with mine to Lewes, in Sussex ; and on our 
arrival we certainly cut a very ludicrous appearance, 
from our ragged state ; but we were received with a 
hearty welcome by our long-lost comrades, after so 
long an absence. We were now, however, able to get 
at our heavy baggage, and undergo a thorough refit, 
so that I again appeared bedecked in new finery, and 
forgetting all my past troubles, I strutted, and dressed, 
and thought myself as fine a fellow as ever ; but these 
splendid trappings, alas ! were also doomed ere long 
to be dyed of a deeper stain than those they had 
replaced. 

We had only remained in our native land about six 
weeks, when we were again ordered on foreign ser- 
vice. We left Lewes barracks, and marched for 
Portsmouth, where we embarked for Gibraltar, at 
which fortress we arrived after a tedious passage of 
five weeks. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 109 

Having landed here, we commenced garrison-duty, 
which was much more severe than we expected to find 
it, for we frequently had not more than one night in 
bed, and the next on guard. This was extremely un- 
pleasant, for though we had now got rid of our former 
companions — the scorpions and centipedes — yet these 
were superseded by wooden beds in general swarming 
with bugs; and the rooms were besides so infested 
with rats, that we were obliged to collect all the bones 
and scraps that remained at dinner, and, on lying 
down on the stretcher at night, leave them on the 
floor for these gentry to devour, in order to prevent 
their scampering over our faces as we lay asleep, and 
gnawing the powder and pomatum out of our hair; 
indeed, had we slept too soundly between the reliefs, 
they would probably have commenced on the peri- 
cranium itself. All this, however, was ease and 
luxury in comparison to campaigning, for here we 
had a warm room, good food, and a comfortable bar- 
rack to retreat to, after being relieved. Indeed, on 
the whole, the Rock is rather a desirable quarter for 
soldiers, particularly the private men, as it is impos- 
sible they can live better in any part of the world. 
They have a good basin of coffee or cocoa for 
breakfast, good meat, soup, and vegetables, for dinner, 
and bread and cheese for supper ; wine and spirits being 
so cheap that they commonly get too much of them. 



110 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

Here our time passed on very agreeably ; sometimes 
we dined with the governor, and other families in the 
garrison, or went to balls, concerts, and evening par- 
ties. Before dinner, we generally promenaded on the 
saluting battery, or retired from the heat to the more 
edifying lounge of a grand library: occasionally we 
explored the Rock, rode on the neutral ground, or 
bathed. 



This place has, however, great disadvantages, par- 
ticularly its being so subject to autumnal pestilential 
fevers — a calamity very fatal in this climate: they 
break out with the most direful effects, and in their 
malignancy may almost vie with the plague. During 
this season the garrison is exceedingly unpleasant, 
owing to the sultry and languid heat, which is almost 
insupportable when coming from the Levant, or east- 
ward : at this time every duty is extremely oppressive, 
from the relaxed and low state of the system, caused 
by this unwholesome and contagious air. I have been 
on the barrier-guard and frequently opened the gates 
during the night, to let cart-loads of the dead bodies of 
those, to whom this disease had proved fatal, pass 
through to the neutral ground for interment. A 
Lazaretto was, however, soon established, and its 
construction was attended with the most beneficial 
consequences. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. Ill 

At this season the communication with Spain is 
constantly closed, which renders the necessaries of life 
very dear; I have known ten dollars given for a 
turkey, three shillings for a pound of butter, and 
sixpence for an egg, &e. 

An expedition had been fitted out at this port, under 
the command of Lieutenant-general Lord Blaney, for 
the purpose, as we understood, of making a descent 
on Malaga, in which my regiment received orders to 
embark. Being shipped on board an old Spanish man- 
of-war, under jury-masts, we proceeded after the ex- 
pedition with all sail possible, but only reached them 
as this unfortunate affair was terminating, and that 
with the greatest disaster. Our flank companies, how- 
ever, landed to support them ; but support was now 
almost too late, for they were withdrawing in the 
greatest confusion and haste to our boats, into which 
they got, and which ought to have been sent back for 
the remainder of the regiment. The artillery was 
lost, and a great number of prisoners taken, among 
whom was the Commander-in-chief himself ; but the 
greater part of the troops had the good fortune to 
escape under the fire of the Rodney man-of-war, 
and our flank companies, who were the last that re- 
embarked. 



112 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

We left this old hulk and went into transports, 
where we were a little more comfortable, not having 
taken off our clothes from the time we left the Rock 
till now — about a fortnight ; lying all this time about 
fifty of us together on the cabin floor, on a sail-cloth 
spread out for our accommodation. 

We now steered our course to Gibraltar, not too 
much elated with the laurels we had gained. I will 
not enter into particulars, as there was no great 
honour attached to this undertaking; I shall only 
observe, that those who escaped were exceedingly glad 
to reach their comfortable station again, after their 
expedition to Malaga. Indeed we might on the whole 
consider ourselves very fortunate, as the rotten old 
Spanish hulk in which we first sailed, soon after went 
to the bottom, and all hands on board perished; so 
that the regiment, every man of which was in her 
but a few days previously, had an almost miraculous 
escape. 

Being again settled in garrison, we remained 
quietly for some time ; but the French soon making 
their appearance in the neighbourhood, caused us 
much trouble. They had compelled General Ballas- 
teros with his army to retreat and take refuge under 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 113 

the cover of our guns, together with all the inhabit- 
ants of St. Roque, and the villages in its vicinity: 
which gave the neutral ground the effect of a large 
country fair, and was at the same time a scene of the 
greatest distress. The fugitives had fled with their 
goods, children, cattle, and provisions ; but the enemy 
withdrawing in a short time, these poor people re- 
turned to their dwellings, and the duty of the garrison 
became more easy in consequence. We had thus an 
opportunity of making excursions to Algeziras, St. 
Roque, and even to the Castle of Andalusia, which 
were very pleasant recreations, as a most charming 
country is to be seen in a few hours' ride. 

Having now much leisure, I had an opportunity of 
seeing all the beauties and curiosities of this strong 
fortress, for I believe, in point of strength, it has not 
its equal in Europe ; indeed, it appears as if art and 
nature had combined in rendering it so. Colonel 
Drinkwater has given so elaborate a description of it 
in his account of the siege of this place, that it would 
appear like plagiarism to enlarge on the subject. I 
may, however, be excused for mentioning some obser- 
vations I was enabled to make in person on parts of 
this amazing rock. I visited St. Michael's cave, which 
is a most wonderful subterraneous cavern, situated 
about half-way up to the top of the rock, and nearly 



114 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

in the centre of it ; it runs under ground to a dis- 
tance that has never yet been explored : this wonderful 
place is rendered extremely Gothic in appearance by 
its great number of petrified pillars; it is besides 
very lofty, and when lighted up, which is once a year, 
it bears a great resemblance to a beautiful cathedral. 
Its grandeur is greatly enhanced by the glittering 
lustre of the particles of granite and crystal-like sub- 
stances, and also by the stately columns formed in 
rather a pleasing irregular order, by means of the 
trickling drops of water, which congeal like icicles, 
and petrify as they hang from the roof, until they 
become vast pillars, which seem the support of this 
monstrous and curious cave. 

Leaving this large illuminated cavern, we entered 
one not so spacious, but more damp and very gloomy : 
we passed by a pond of clear water ; and then by 
stooping, got into a passage, which leads downwards, 
and in which, I was informed, that General O'Hara, 
when Governor of this fort, went farther than any one 
has since adventured to proceed, and left his sword as 
a mark of his progress, and as a reward for those who 
might be bold enough to go and fetch it ; but it still 
remains, no person having as yet had sufficient reso- 
lution. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 115 

On our way from this extraordinary place, a cir- 
cumstance of a trifling" nature struck me, which 
probably would not enter into the elevated minds of 
those engaged in describing these wonderful fortifica- 
tions, or the much more wonderful operations of their 
batteries, when opened on the enemy; their glacis, 
fascines, scarps and counterscarps, embrasures, che- 
vaux-de-frize, ramparts, sallyports, stockades, and 
caponnieres. The exalted ideas of such persons 
would not descend to notice the trifles that attract the 
attention of common observers, and by which my mind 
at this moment was entirely engrossed — I mean the 
numerous groups of apes and monkeys skipping 
about the rock ; some with their cubs on their backs, 
others cleaning their little ones and grinning at the 
dogs that barked at them, setting them at defiance by 
jumping from rock to rock and throwing stones at 
them. The circumstance of these animals having 
taken up their abode on this height can only be ac- 
counted for by its producing the palmato, eringo-root, 
and wild dates, on which it is understood they chiefly 
subsist: it is, however, very singular, that there are 
none of them in any other part of Spain, not even on 
the Malaga mountains, which are contiguous and more 
fertile ; but there are great numbers on the hill oppo- 
site, on the Barbary coast, called Ape's Hill ; so that 
it is possible they have a passage from this place under 

i 2 



116 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

the Straits to Saint Michael's Cave, as its end could 
never be found, and might have taken the brave ex- 
ploring" General to Africa, had he continued his adven- 
turous exploit. The reader will, I hope, pardon this 
stretch of conjecture, as I must confess, in this 
instance, my ideas nearly outstep the bounds of proba- 
bility. Since writing the above, I am informed that 
the worthy old General himself was the person who 
imported this lively race of bipeds; and, indeed, so 
partial was he to these queer animals, that, in the 
goodness of his heart, he even allowed them a regu- 
lar ration of peas, rice and other food, till they became 
familiarized to the spot. 

Another expedition, which acted so gallantly at 
Barossa, being now in this quarter, the flank compa- 
nies of my regiment were ordered to join it; detach- 
ments were also sent to Tariffa and Ceuta ; to the 
last of which places I accompanied them, and we 
relieved the 4th Regiment, then in possession of the 
citadel. 

We here received every mark of attention and in- 
dulgence from the Commandant, General Fraser : here 
was no ostentatious parade, no unnecessary duty, so 
often seen in garrison towns, but a regular good sys- 
tem of subordination and consistency kept up, on 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 117 

which all good and great men pride themselves ; and 
which must give a general satisfaction, not to be 
expected from that outward, tawdry, and useless show, 
so often practised. We were entertained by this 
worthy gentleman with that hospitality and kindness 
which is peculiar only to well-regulated and domestic 
families. The Spaniards here were also very polite 
and attentive, being for the most part grandees who 
had been obliged to fly, with their families, from their 
estates, which were confiscated by our common enemy 
the French, and to take refuge in this place of secu- 
rity. In general, however, they were extremely poor, 
owing to their loss of property, and their servants were 
frequently obliged to bring the silver relics of their 
ancient splendour, and offer them for sale to supply 
their immediate wants. 

We found this a healthy, plentiful, and agreeable 
quarter, in which we partook of every pleasure and 
amusement; frequenting their Tertullias, conversa- 
tiones, bull-fights, &c. We were also highly enter- 
tained by their fandangos, boleros, concertos, and 
seranatas ; but what struck me most, on meeting the 
ladies the day after these parties, was to observe their 
condescension and affability in addressing their part- 
ners in the dance ; a custom so much neglected with 



118 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

us; or if by chance observed, amounting only to a 
slight inclination of the head, hardly perceptible. 

This extensive fortress was almost the reverse of 
that I had just left: the one had been rendered the 
strongest of fortifications by nature : the other by art. 
It contains tiers upon tiers of ramparts, with a great 
many draw-bridges, &c. Instead of passing only one, 
as at Gibraltar, we here went over at least half-a- 
dozen, on the way to the neutral ground, with an equal 
number of covert-ways, strongly barricadoed ; and, to 
add to its wonderful security, it has been made an ar- 
tificial island. Indeed, these two projecting rocks 
may well be called the pillars of Hercules ; for two 
such are scarcely again to be met with, possessing 
such astonishing strength. 

After having passed the different barriers above- 
mentioned, we arrived on a fine open plain, with a hill 
on the left which commands the garrison. From this 
side, on turning to take a view of the foTt, I could 
not but admire its prodigious strength; having been 
once employed on an expedition to take it ; and 
surmised there would have been many a broken 
head on the occasion, had the project been exe- 
cuted. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 119 

This plain is neutral between the Moors and Spa- 
niards ; on passing- it, you are in the territories of the 
Emperor of Morocco. Sentries from the Barbary 
troops are placed on these borders, whom you must 
pass on entering- their country. Having an inclination 
to do this, in company with a gentleman in the Com- 
missariat, I approached them, and a most singular 
race of beings they were. They sat at the door of 
a little hut, (which was their guard-house) on the 
grass, with their legs across, like so many tailors at 
work, with beards hanging down to their waist, high 
turbans on their heads, and in their mouths long 
pipes, which reached about two yards from them and 
rested on the ground. Their complexions are exceed- 
ingly swarthy, and they have a dirty and shabby ap- 
pearance. 

On coming up to their post, I made them under- 
stand by signs that I wanted to pass, which they 
agreed to, but would not acquiesce in the request 
of the Commissary to accompany me, taking him from 
his blue uniform to be a Spaniard, to which nation they 
have a mortal hatred ; they, therefore, in a careless 
morose manner, permitted me to go alone. I went 
with an intention of visiting a large seraglio, which is 
seen at a distance : but when I got about half-way, I 
began to consider the danger of trusting myself among* 



1 20 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

these barbarians, and, as second thoughts are some- 
times best, I resolved to turn back ; for, had these 
Mahometans taken me into the interior of their 
country and condemned me to perpetual slavery, who 
would have been able to have obtained my ransom, or 
where could I have applied for redress 1 These appre- 
hensions induced me to hasten back to the garrison,* 
quite satisfied with my travels in Africa. 

In this delightful and healthy situation we had 
remained about six weeks, when, being relieved by 
part of the 26th Regiment, we again embarked to join 
our battalion, and enter anew upon actual service. 

On our arrival at the Rock, we found the regiment 
all bustle going on board, in consequence of orders to 
join again the grand army in Portugal. We soon 
reached Lisbon, and landed there; when we found that 
the lines of circumvallation were broken up, the 
French having retreated ; and that the forces under 
Marshal Marmont and the Duke of Wellington were 
some hundreds of miles up the country, manoeuvring in: 
sight of each other : we, therefore, lost no time in 
equipping for the field. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 121 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Here what thousands fell in vain, 
Wasted with disease and anguish — 
Not in glorious battle slain. 

Hosier's Ghost. 



Being soon furnished with tents, for we now re- 
ceived these necessary incumbrances, which on our 
former services in this country had not been the case, 
and having provided ourselves with baggage animals 
and all other field-equipage, we set out to undertake 
a campaign, perhaps one of the most arduous ever 
encountered by British troops. 

The drum now summoned us from the capital of 
Portugal; we ascended the Tagus some distance in 
boats, and landed at Villa Franca, whence we pro- 
ceeded, by forced marches, to overtake our army, 
previous to its being engaged. Expresses continually 
met us on the road to hasten our movement, as an 
action was N every moment expected to take place; 
and we had barely time to give nature sufficient 



122 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

repose, as we continued marching- nearly night and 
day towards Salamanca. We found this excessively 
harassing-, as the weather was in its heig-ht of sum- 
mer heat. We at length reached Ciudad Rodrigo, 
where we were obliged to halt one day, leaving two 
officers and some men sick from fever brought on 
by extreme exertion. Having nearly reached Sala- 
manca, we heard the sound of cannon-shot all 
through the day; and on arriving at that town we 
learned that an action had taken place, which ren- 
dered all our forced marches useless. The enemy 
were, as usual after a battle, flying; and we still 
continued, if not increased, our exertions to come 
up with the army, which was now on the high-road 
to Madrid, leaving behind us at this place more 
officers and men that had fallen sick. We passed 
over the distressing yet glorious field of Salamanca, 
about the third day after the battle — a scene, if possible, 
more horrid to us than if we had been in the battle 
itself and gone on with the conquering army. The 
ground was now become disgusting from the number 
of dead that lined the roads; and these, from their 
putrescent state, caused by the heat, were so ob- 
noxious, that we were obliged to stop our noses with 
our pocket-handkerchiefs as we went along, to pre- 
vent contagion; which, in spite of all precaution, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 123 

proved as fatal to us, as if we had actually been in the 
action. 

I left my comrade sick on the road ; and on the 
next day's march I was taken so ill myself, that I 
was obliged to go back and join him. Our sickness 
proved to be a fever of the most malignant kind, 
and we were in consequence obliged to return to 
the sick depot at Salamanca. Although I had a 
horse, I was so extremely ill that I could not sit on it, 
and we were occasionally laid together on a bullock- 
car, to be conveyed to the city. In our way we 
had to re-pass this dreadful scene of decayed bodies — 
a circumstance which appeared to add to our disease, 
which was also increased by a rough road of many 
leagues, on a still more rough and disagreeable 
carriage. The jolting of the conveyance, the intense 
heat of the sun, and the raging state of my blood 
caused by the burning fever, made me try to get 
out of this uncouth carriage, wishing to lay myself 
down by the road-side, and there take my chance, 
in preference to being so tormented by this painful 
method of conveyance ; for the bullocks, being bit by 
the flies, would run and plunge over rugged stones 
out of the common track ; indeed, death itself would 
have been preferable to a long continuance of this 
wretched existence : although burning with thirst, 



124 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

we had not water to moisten our parched tongues; 
and to add to our misery, my poor fellow-sufferer 
would exclaim that he was dying", and that I was not 
half so bad as he was; and I, on the other hand, 
did not pity him, conceiving I was in a much more 
deplorable situation. In this state of wretchedness 
we arrived at the wished-for town, and billets were 
procured for us; but on being conducted to mine, 
the inhabitants were gone out. This circumstance 
obliged me to lie on the steps of the door till they 
returned, which was in a few hours. On the arrival 
of the hostess, who was an old widow-woman, she 
had me directly taken in, and a bed prepared for me, 
as well as she, being very poor, was able. The bed 
was on the floor in one corner of the room : however, 
it was such as generally fell to our subordinate lot. 
Having, with the assistance of this good woman, 
got into bed, my servant went in search of a doctor, 
but he could not procure one at that late hour. Here 
I lay in a most miserable condition, till my man, 
Standfast, came in the morning to know what I would 
take for breakfast. " Take ! my good fellow,' 1 said I ; 
" what can be got?" He replied that there was a 
little tea left, after dividing our small stock with my 
brother Sub on parting. " But then, Sir," added he, 
" there is no sugar, milk, bread, butter, or any thing 
besides." Here was a state for a sick man to be in ! 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 125 

not a farthing* of money had I seen since I left Lisbon ; 
therefore, I desired him to take one of my shirts, and 
with what sum he could get for it, to buy some sugar, 
milk, butter, and bread ; he went, and soon brought 
me these necessary articles. The money for which he 
had disposed of the shirt was a jpistreen and a half- — 
about half-a-crown ; nearly six months before I had 
given a guinea for it : but what I now got in exchange 
was of much more value to me. 

This day a doctor came to me : he told me I was 
very ill, and sent me some medicine, and desired I 
would get some chocolate, some lemons to make 
lemonade, and other necessaries ; I therefore told my 
trusty servant, Thomas, to take another shirt, which 
reduced my stock to two; and with this supply he 
procured me what was requisite. He also brought 
me an account of one of our officers lying dead in the 
town, and that my poor comrade was not likely to 
live the night out. This news affected me very much ; 
but from my weak state of health and depressed con- 
dition of mind, I resigned myself to the thoughts of 
soon experiencing their fate. 

On the following morning, finding that my little 
stock of comforts was gone, I sent Thomas with 
another of the aforesaid linen articles to procure more, 



126 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

which reduced me to my last shirt : indeed, I might 
say, my last shift. However, he got what he could 
purchase with so small a sum, and brought me intelli- 
gence of the fate of my poor companion, who had 
now ended all his miseries, toils, and troubles. 
Standfast likewise mentioned that he had met a 
surgeon of my acquaintance, whom he had seen 
visiting me at Gibraltar, and who was now on duty 
at this depot. I immediately sent him in search of 
this gentleman, whom he had the good fortune to 
find ; and in whom he brought me not only a doctor, 
but a friend and a benefactor. This worthy man, 
whom gratitude bids me mention, is now surgeon of 
the 85th Regiment of foot: on seeing me, he could 
not help shaking his head; then taking me by the 
hand, he said, " You are certainly very ill ; but keep 
up your spirits, and I will send you some medicine 
that will do you good ; then buy a fowl, and get some 

broth made, and barley-water, and some ." He 

was going on, when I interrupted him, by asking him 
how I was to procure these necessaries'? — " Why, buy 
them, to be sure !" — This was a sore reply, which he 
soon perceived; and guessing by my dejected counte- 
nance the state of my purse, he immediately asked if 
I had not money for that purpose : I frankly, but with 
a heavy heart, told him I had not. He made no reply ; 
wishing, I suppose, not to add to the distress of my 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 127 

feelings, already too much overpowered: but taking 
me kindly again by the hand, and giving me a friendly 
squeeze, left me ; and returning in a short time, put 
half a doubloon by my bed-side, at the same time 
desiring I would let him know when I wanted more ; 
telling me that, as the fever had now abated, I stood 
less in need of medicine than real comforts ; and that 
had those officers of my regiment just deceased had 
them, they might still have been alive. 

A few days after, when the fever had quite left me, 
he sent me from the hospital, wine, baked rice- 
puddings, tea, &c. and with the money I got one of 
my shirts back, the rest having been disposed of; I 
also bought grapes, melons, chocolate, and all kinds 
of necessaries ; being now pronounced in a state of 
convalescence. My old landlady, during the whole 
time, gave me all the assistance and attention that 
her age and poverty would permit. 

I now began to walk about and take the air, 
gaining strength very fast, and went to pay a visit 
to my friend the doctor, who informed me that I 
had been dangerously ill ; that my tongue was black 
with disease, and that he had even doubted of my 
recovery, on which he now congratulated me. 



128 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

On my way to his billet, my old hostess, who 
accompanied me part of the way, pointed out a 
poor, mean, antique-looking- house, and informed 
me it had been in olden time an apothecary's shop, 
which had been kept by a Doctor San Grado, a man 
who had been famous in his day for the simpleness 
and efficacy of his remedies; in short, she told me 
it was the identical house in which dwelt that prince 
of the Esculapian school, from whom Le Sage took 
the great character he so humorously and admirably 
delineated. Notwithstanding the encomiums of this 
good lady, I certainly found an inward pleasure that 
I had not been placed, during my late illness, in his 
hands, as I fancied his copious draughts of warm 
water and incessant bleeding would not have reco- 
vered me so soon as my kind doctor's more experienced 
practice, and modern mode of treatment. 

Being in this improving state of health, and walking 
one day with a friend for the purpose of recruiting my 
strength, we perceived a bullock-car coming in, and, 
to my surprise, two more officers of my regiment on 
it, in a most miserable condition. We went and pro- 
cured them billets ; and having got the worse-looking 
object of the two into one, we took the other poor 
fellow into his : he begged for a mattress to be spread 
on the floor, to lie upon, while the bed was preparing, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 12$ 

being so exhausted that he could not stand. This 
being complied with, he stretched himself on it, and 
in a few minutes paid his debt of nature. A finer 
young man was rarely to be seen; his countenance, 
even after death, displayed more colour and animation 
than that of many persons when alive. This poor 
fellow had also been destitute of money, and conse- 
quently of every kind of comfort to be procured by 
its all-powerful aid. However, " out of evil eometh 
good 5" for these unfortunate deaths, caused in a great 
measure by privations, reaching head-quarters, our 
good Commander-in-chief directly issued orders that 
all sick officers in future should be supplied with 
necessary comforts from the hospitals, in the same 
manner as the men, which ever afterwards was the 
case ; and which kind act of humanity, I am convinced, 
will be remembered with lasting gratitude by those 
gentlemen who have benefited by it. 

After being here about six weeks, I found myself 
perfectly recovered, and was ordered to march a 
strong detachment, composed of different regiments, 
to Madrid: this duty I performed accordingly, and 
arrived there before my regiment, who were halted at 
Cuellar; but I am afraid the reader will find it too 
tedious to follow my irksome steps through this heavy 
march; I shall therefore merely say, that I reached 

K 



130 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

the Spanish capital, with my men, in good health and 
spirits. 

Madrid is certainly a very fine city ; but does not 
answer the description the Spaniards give of it, who 
call it "the metropolis of the world." The princi- 
pal streets are spacious, and the buildings very fine, 
particularly the Palace, which is much enriched 
by the great improvements at that time making by 
their French King Joseph. What, however, struck 
me most forcibly, were the grand streets, terminating 
in as grand and spacious avenues, shaded in the most 
agreeable manner by stately and wide-spreading trees. 
In these walks are numberless delightful fountains 
of the most cool and refreshing nature, around which, 
sitting and walking, may be seen the most elegant, 
and though not fair, yet most charming of the fair ; 
but these great inducements for taking the air, were, 
however, in a great measure suppressed, by the un- 
usual number of miserable objects of charity, every 
moment begging alms in the most suppliant manner — 
an appearance which greatly diminished the attraction 
of these recreative groves. 

Indeed, I never witnessed greater scenes of human 
misery than this town presented. This state of things 
naturally resulted from the heavy contributions, and 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 131 

other arbitrary sufferings, which the inhabitants had 
endured while groaning under the yoke of their late 
intruders. As a proof of this, I was informed that 
there were generally every morning several of these 
poor wretches found dead in the streets, who had 
perished in the night with cold and hunger, the con- 
comitant evils of those countries which, from the am- 
bition or policy of their rulers, are made the theatre of 
war. God forbid, that my own dear land should ever 
experimentally feel that dreadful scourge ! 

Here I visited all the public places, particularly the 
Museum, which far exceeds my powers of description. 
It consisted of the rarest curiosities ; the finest paint- 
ings, by Rubens, Raphael, Michael Angelo, &e. ; an 
excellent assortment of fossils, minerals and shells, 
birds, beasts, and fishes ; besides a most magnificent 
display of diamonds, jewels, massy pieces of gold, 
and all kinds of precious stones, the produce of the 
Peruvian mines, so renowned for their inexhaustible 
store of wealth. It was to me a subject of infinite 
surprise that the French should not have laid their 
plundering hands on these immense treasures. On 
farther consideration, however, I supposed the reason 
to be, that their King knew very well we should not 
disturb them, and that there was every probability of 

K2 



132 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

his returning to take possession of them ;' which, in- 
deed, was very soon the case. 

We visited the palace, which is really superb, parti- 
cularly with regard to the tapestry, pictures, furniture, 
and the great number of clocks and watches, one of 
which is in every chamber. In one of these apart- 
ments, I observed, in the middle of a beautiful ma- 
hogany table, a most brilliant and valuable diamond, 
set in gold, which had been spoiled by a French 
soldier getting in, and with his bayonet trying to dig 
it out ; but being caught in the fact, he was obliged 
to desist, having left ocular demonstration of his 
roguish intention. [■ 

This, certainly, is a most stately palace, and when 
finished, will no doubt be one of the finest in Europe ; 
being situated on an eminence, commanding a most 
extensive and charming prospect, having in its front 
a river and gardens, which in point of beauty 
and magnificence will correspond with this pompous 
edifice. 

As to their operas, theatres, and public places of 
amusement, I saw none of them, either here or in any 
other place that I have been (I do not even except 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 133 

Paris), that could at all be compared to our own ; and 
any regular description of their public buildings, foun- 
tains, bridges, churches, &c, or of their carnivals, 
tournaments, and bull-fights, on my part, even were I 
competent to the task, would be an intrusion, after 
their having been frequently and minutely depicted by 
many able travellers, and would besides be too great a 
digression from a confined narrative. 

From this great city I proceeded to join my regi- 
ment, then quartered in the Escurial, certainly an un- 
common place, rendered famous, not for its beautiful 
palace, but for its enormous pile of buildings. It is 
situated in a sequestered spot, at the foot of the Gua- 
darama mountains, and is built, they say, in the form 
of a gridiron ; but for my part, I could not see that it 
had any shape at all, except the most confused, It 
was erected by Philip the Second of Spain, in com- 
memoration of a vow he had made for a victory gained 
over the Moors, on the day of St. Lawrence, to whom 
this structure is dedicated, and who is said to have 
suffered martyrdom on the utensil that this building is 
supposed to represent, and from \yhieh it takes its 
name. 

This palace was now converted into our barracks ; 
indeed, I believe there is room enough to aceom- 



134 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

modate twenty thousand men here, so large is this 
astonishing* fabric. 

Here we remained but a short time, when the regi- 
ment received the route from Pinto, a large village 
some miles beyond the capital. I was detained a few 
days, and then proceeded after them; and during the 
long day's march, which was about seven leagues, was 
overtaken by a most violent thunder-storm, that 
greatly delayed my journey, and made it very late 
at night when I arrived again at Madrid. Every house 
was shut, and there was no possibility of obtaining a 
billet. After wandering about the streets for some 
time, I luckily found out my old quarter. I knocked 
at the door, and it was speedily opened. The people 
did not recollect me at first, from the wet and dirty 
plight I was in ; but they soon welcomed me in, made 
a fire to dry me, got me some supper, and prepared 
my bed. I have often heard this generous nation railed 
against, and have even done it myself ; but when we 
reflect we were among a persecuted people, whose 
language we were not masters of, whose manners and 
customs are so different from our own, and whose 
religion we so much ridicule and despise ; when we 
consider that we were imposed upon their families as 
inmates, and remember how often that privilege was 
abused, and recollect that they still continued to invite 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 135 

us to their daily fare — when I think of this generosity, 
and know how often they were, in return for it, disre- 
garded, contemptuously treated, offended by us, and 
sometimes robbed by our servants, I cannot but wonder 
they had the patience to treat us so kindly as they did- 
With regard to their troops, whom we so much scorn, 
I have no hesitation in saying that they possess physi- 
cal properties which would render them equal to any 
in the world, had they the advantages we enjoy, of 
being well-officered, well-disciplined, and serving 
under a wise and judicious Government. They 
would then, indeed, be a great military nation, and 
sufficiently able to fight their own battles; but of 
all these advantages they are unfortunately des- 
titute. 

Having again quitted Madrid, I came up with my 
regiment at Pinto, in the beautiful province of La 
Mancha, famous for the birth-place of the renowned 
knight of the rueful countenance, and celebrated for 
its delicious wines : I took this opportunity of seeing 
their vaults, which, from their amazing extent, were 
well worth notice. Here were exceeding large vases 
in which the wine stood the year round, without any 
covering except what was formed by the lees, a thick 
scum, something like yeast, caused by the fermentation. 
This being well incrusted together, answered much 



136 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

better than a wooden covering- ; for as the wine is 
drawn off it gradually sinks with it, and thereby keeps 
the air out and the wine sound, although it is con- 
stantly on the draught. These large vessels put me in 
mind of the story of the forty thieves getting- into 
the different barrels : had they been here, I think they 
might have all got into one of these pretty little tubs* 
and there remained quite at their ease. 

Another great advantage to us was the luxuriant 
abundance of fruit that every where presented itself. 
It being now their vintage, their houses were stored 
with it : the chamber which I occupied was decorated 
in a very tasteful manner, the ceiling being hung with 
festoons of the most beautiful clusters of grapes, and 
delicious verdant melons, here and there garnished 
with the finest figs and other fruits, in order to pre- 
serve them for winter use. 

This place was also noted for its amazingly large 
pigeon-houses; they were of equal extent, and at a 
distance had an appearance resembling that of gentle- 
men's seats in my country. They were adapted en- 
tirely to the breed of these birds, for the supply of the 
Madrid and other markets, as they are a very common 
article of food in this kingdom. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 13T 

Although still destitute of money, yet in this abund- 
ant country we managed to procure many comforts 
besides our rations. As for the fruit, the inhabitants 
had no objection to our eating what we chose, fre- 
quently giving us wine and other presents : but as 
it often happened, that where we found ourselves the 
most comfortable, we remained the shortest time, so it 
proved here ; for we had to continue our advance till 
we came to the pretty village of Ciempucellas, situ- 
ated on a river, on the opposite side of which was the 
fine town of Aranjuez, where the enemy were in great 
force. 

Here we left our cantonments, and again took the 
field. I was sent with a party of men to the river that 
divided us, to throw up breast- works at the bridge, 
in order to obstruct the enemy should they attempt to 
cross ; but, after being at work the whole day, I had 
the mortification of seeing all our labour blown into 
the air, according to orders received for that purpose, 
the more effectually to prevent their crossing. 

News now arrived of the siege of Burgos being 
raised, and the army under the Duke of Wellington 
on its retreat. In consequence of this information, 
General Lord Hill also commenced a retreat, in order 
to form a junction with the Burgos army. The night 



138 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

that preceded this movement I was on piquet, with 
about seventy men, having strict orders to guard a 
ford by which the enemy's cavalry were expected 
every moment to cross, and to make every resistance in 
my power, but on no account to give way; and that 
as soon as they heard me engaged, I should receive 
support. This of course kept me on the alert the 
whole night, expecting every moment to see their 
dragoons plunge into the river to ford it, as they were 
in great numbers on the other side, and ready ac- 
coutred : fortunately for me they did not attempt it, 
although they kept up a great noise and bustle the 
whole night, which was merely a ruse de guerre, as 
they crossed a few miles higher up. 

At break of day we were called in, and I had to 
join my regiment; to gain which, after being on the 
advance about four miles, I had to ascend an exceed- 
ingly high hill, almost a day's march in itself : and I 
had hardly time to take a little refreshment, when we 
were ordered to fall in. 

A retreat now commenced, such as perhaps sur- 
passed any that British troops had hitherto encoun- 
tered: the Corunna retreat, from what I experienced 
of it, and the opinion that I have heard given by 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 139 

those officers who were on both, will bear no 
comparison with this. 

We moved off our ground about mid-day ; and 
about five in the evening it began to rain, which 
seemed to increase as we moved through the dark and 
dismal night. As the day began to dawn, the wea- 
ther became clearer ; and we now made greater pro- 
gress, halting only a few minutes at a time, when 
necessity compelled us; and late in the evening lay 
down on some ploughed land by the road side, after 
a march of about ten leagues across a fine country ; 
but the finest country is, from the depth of soil, in 
general* the most difficult to get over in bad weather. 
Such was the case here : on this swampy bed, after 
eating a melon, the only thing I had left, I was so 
overcome with fatigue and hard marching, that I fell 
fast asleep ; and in all probability I should have re- 
mained there till this time, had I not been roused by 
the men. As we proceeded, the sun, now darting his 
fiercest rays upon our dewy garments, made them 
smoke as if they had been drying our wet and miry 
clothes by a good fire. 

It was deplorable here to behold the beautiful vil- 
lages, in which we had so lately and pleasantly been 
quartered, left to the mercy of those who were about 



140 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

to take possession of them. The inhabitants had fled ; 
their fine fruit had been taken by the troops ; and it 
was with the greatest difficulty, and even severity, that 
we could restrain them from taking too much of the 
strong wine, which was now let flow into the vaults, 
to prevent it from falling into the hands of the 
French. 

At last we reached the stately avenues leading to 
the capital, which now looked gloomy enough, where 
we halted, and the troops got as much biscuit as they 
could carry, with other provisions, and an allowance 
of rum. The rest of the stores were destroyed ; and 
the remaining casks of wine and spirits stove in, and 
let run into the street in the greatest profusion, to 
prevent its becoming a booty to the enemy, who were 
now close at our heels. We remained here barely 
sufficient time to receive our rations, and then con- 
tinued our retrograde movements. The next day we 
came into the vicinity of the Guadarama mountains, 
where, from the increased fatigue, excessive marching, 
and exposure to the nightly damps of the field, I was 
seized with a swelling in my legs, that obliged me to 
go on in front, being in consequence placed on my 
horse : I was unwilling to mount him before, from the 
poor state he was in for want of food, but necessity 
now compelled me to ride him. I went on, through 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 141 

that day and the following night, endeavouring to 
recross these prodigious mountains : when I had nearly 
attained their summit, I saw on the road what I con- 
ceived to be a flock of wild turkeys ; but, on a near 
approach, I discovered them to be a flight of large 
vultures, or eagles, voraciously devouring a horse that 
had died on the way. These birds paid very little 
regard to me on my passing them ; they merely flew 
up, and hovered over my head ; and no sooner had I 
passed, than they pounced down on their carrion, and 
continued their feast. I must confess I did not at all 
like the look of these monstrous birds, being some- 
what afraid of their attacking my poor steed, which 
was in a very little better plight than the one on which 
they were so ravenously feeding. 

I proceeded in the greatest torture till I descended 
these mountains ; when I found myself in such a state 
from rheumatism, that I was obliged to be taken off 
the horse, and carried into a cow-house near the road. 
Here I lay in great agony ; but, by a fortunate circum- 
stance, the surgeon of the regiment coming to this 
place with some sick men, bathed my feet in spirits, 
which gave me great relief, and the next morning I 
found myself much better; but still I could neither 
walk, nor ride on horseback, from the pain I suffered : 
I was therefore put into a spring waggon, in which I 



142 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

rode the greatest part of the day. — I may here allow- 
ably advert to the usefulness of this Royal Corps : for, 
although they did not go into extreme danger them- 
selves, they were the means of taking others both into 
it, and out of it. 

On arriving at a cross-road, where the army turned 
off and proceeded by a different route, I was taken 
out of the waggon, and again placed on my horse, 
which my servant had with him, and was desired to 
proceed to Arviola, where I was informed there was a 
depot: but, on arriving at that place, I did not meet 
with a single British soldier in the town ; and so far 
from its being a depot, it was entirely deserted, with 
the exception of a Spanish regiment of dragoons, 
fully accoutred and in readiness to abandon it to the 
enemy, who were now very near. In this state of 
affairs necessity compelled me to go to the Alcaide 
for billets. He told me that he was much astonished 
at our application (for I had, on entering this town, 
overtaken an officer who was very ill, and who had 
also been misinformed); that the French were seen 
very distinctly from his balcony, advancing on this 
place; that they had set the fine town of Segovia 
on fire, and that the smoke was also visible from his 
window. However, strange as it may appear, he 
gave us billets, and we went in. I do not now 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 143 

recollect of what regiment this poor officer was, nor 
is it of much importance : he was, like myself, very 
ill; but necessity compelled us, even in the face of 
danger, to seek some refreshment, for nature was 
now literally sinking" under the effects of famine, 
filth, and disease : therefore, while our servants were 
feeding the horses, we set about preparing some 
chocolate, and had just time to drink it, when we 
were informed that the French were entering the 
town. We instantly mounted our horses, and joined 
the cavalcade that were flying on the road, with what 
valuables they could bring off with them; we were 
now thrown out of the route of the British army, 
and pursued by a part of the French; and it was 
only by the greatest perseverance and diligence that 
we got out of their reach. 

Being now out of the main track, many were the 
difficulties, in addition to that of preventing ourselves 
from being taken prisoners, which we had to sur- 
mount; but after many days' distressing travelling, 
and concealing ourselves in the woods by night, exist- 
ing on what their shades afforded, we reached Sala- 
manca ; but in a most filthy and impoverished state, not 
having taken off our clothes or changed our linen 
since the retreat commenced. It is singular that amid 
all these privations I had completely regained the use 



144 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

of ray limbs; and a few days' kind treatment from 
my good old widow, to whose house I went without 
ceremony, and who received me in the kindest man- 
ner, soon restored me to my former state. I was 
now, however, able to show her some attention in 
return ; for having 1 a number of soldiers quartered on 
her, who were, as they often are, extremely incon- 
venient and troublesome, I got a great part of them 
removed, and made the rest treat her with proper 
respect. 

In a few days I joined my regiment, previous to 
which I had the misfortune to see my servant, 
Thomas Standfast, lodged in the hospital. He in his 
turn had now become ill: for there were few in 
these campaigns that had not their portion of illness. 
I heard soon after I left the town, that he had ended 
his earthly career. Poor fellow ! a better soldier, or 
more honest man, did not exist. 

The troops had now re-crossed the Tormes, near 
which the retreating army from Burgos had formed 
a junction with us : here we remained in camp several 
days, when the enemy threatened to cross the river, 
the bridge of which was, in consequence, blown up ; 
but that did not prevent them from effecting their 
purpose. They forded it in spite of us, and made 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. U5 

their appearance directly in our front; our brigade 
being- in line, with two field-pieces of German artil- 
lery in the centre, which were well directed and did 
much execution, the first shot scattered them in all 
directions ; and they drew off their forces from this 
quarter, taking- with them one of the captains of my 
regiment prisoner, who was a little in advance on 
reconnoissance. We remained during the night under 
arms ; and the next day took up another position upon 
a gravelly soil, where there was not a herb growing, 
or a stick to lig-ht a fire. I remember it was here that 
I went on duty to demolish some houses of a deserted 
village, in order to obtain fuel. We remained on this 
spot during the night ; and a door which we brought 
among other fire-wood served three of us exceedingly 
well for shelter ; as, when the evening came on, we 
wrapped our blankets and cloaks about us, then laying 
down on the ground, we put the door over us, as it 
began to rain, which kept us warm and dry till we 
fell in at day-light. All this time our horses were tied 
to our arms, there being no other fastening ; we after- 
wards made a fire of the door, and sat round it warm- 
ing ourselves, and wishing most heartily for something 
to eat. I had in my haversack some chocolate, about 
a square each, which was shared among us, and im- 
mediately devoured ; we choosing to eat it raw, rather 
than make it into a liquid, as we conceived it to be 

L 



146 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

more substantial diet. One of the three now went 
to the next division on a venture, and luckily re- 
turned -with part of a loaf, which in these circum- 
stances completely verified the old adage, " That half 
a loaf is better than no bread." He generously shared 
it amongst us; and I certainly found it one of the 
most delicious morsels I had ever eaten. This brave 
man, I am sorry to say, had the misfortune to have 
that very arm, which he so benevolently stretched out 
to relieve us, shot off in the next action in which we 
were engaged. 

The whole army being now collected, took up a new 
and more advantageous position on the Aripales, a 
name then rendered famous by the late most glorious 
victory ; it being the very ground on which the battle 
of Salamanca was fought. The relics of bones and 
other fragments that still strewed these memorable 
hills, struck such terror into the French army, by 
reminding them of a spot so fatal to them, that they 
dared not attack us in this position, but endeavoured 
to out-flank us ; which our chief observing, ordered his 
troops to continue the most rapid and retrograde move- 
ment, in order to prevent this numerous army, which, 
according to report, was about one hundred thou- 
sand men, cavalry and infantry, from getting into our 
rear ; as our own forces consisted of only about thirty 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 14T 

thousand English, and fifteen thousand Portuguese: 
but of the force of our allies, the Spaniards, I could 
form no idea, and indeed it was of little conse- 
quence. 

At the time of our receiving orders to recede from 
this place, we were dividing the only provisions that 
had been served out to us for the last two days, which 
were some starved bullocks ; but, from the hurry of 
the moment, we were obliged to leave the greater 
part behind us. I saw those men who were fortunate 
enough to get some, tearing the raw flesh from the 
bones on the march, like so many hungry hounds 
gnawing carrion. 

The mention of hounds reminds me of a singular 
statement I met with in " The Journal of a Soldier." 
— He says, " I at this time got a post, being for 
fatigue, with other four. We were sent to break 
biscuit, and make a mess for Lord Wellington's 
hounds. I was very hungry, and thought it a good job 
at the time, as we got our fill while we broke the bis- 
cuit—a thing I had not got for some days. When thus 
engaged, the prodigal son never once was out of 
my mind ; and I sighed as I fed the dogs, over my 
humble situation and ruined hopes." 

l 2 



148 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

In justice to the great Commander, to whom we 
are so much indebted for the judicious arrangement 
of his commissariat, and the anxiety manifested by 
him upon all occasions to administer to our wants 
in the field, and our comforts when sick, I cannot 
omit making some observations on this report. That 
such a circumstance might have happened in one 
solitary instance, I admit — I am not impeaching the 
man's veracity ; but that it was of frequent or ge- 
neral occurrence, I utterly deny. Upon many occa- 
sions, even the most anxious endeavours of the 
Duke for the welfare of his troops failed, from the 
impracticability of procuring supplies ; and that this 
was the case at this critical juncture I well know, 
as I was also with my regiment and in the rear-divi- 
sion of the army at that unhappy period. — The 
scarcity of bread and biscuit was certainly very great, 
as I have already mentioned — so much so that I 
should imagine it was almost impossible to have 
procured it for the hounds of the Duke, had he been 
disposed to have them so fed : but, in the first place, 
it should be remembered, that there were always 
servants in charge of these dogs, for the purpose of 
feeding and taking care of them ; and at this mo- 
ment we could not move one hundred yards without 
coming- in contact with either a dead horse, ox, mule, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 149 

or ass, which, if I know any thing of hounds, they 
would much rather make a meal of, than bruised bis- 
cuit; indeed, they must have been so full of carrion at 
this time, that I have my doubts whether they would 
have eaten such a mess at all. But, supposing they 
would have tasted it, where could it have been pro- 
cured, unless there might have been some saved by 
the hounds' attendants from the stores at Alba de 
Tormes, which otherwise would have been destroyed 
(there being no mode of conveying it away to prevent 
it falling into the hands of the enemy), after our men 
had been supplied with as much as they could conve- 
niently carry. The relater of this anecdote may not 
have been intentionally malicious, but, from the man- 
ner in which it is told, the reader would be led to 
infer, that if he attended on the dogs one day, it 
would be the turn of some one else another ; in fact, 
that it was a regular duty. Such a conclusion would 
imply that the hounds " fared sumptuously every day," 
while the soldiers were not even so well off as the 
dogs at the rich man's table — not being allowed to 
feed upon their crumbs. Another circumstance which 
strikes me most forcibly is, that these animals are 
reckoned among the baggage of an army : then what 
brings this species of baggage in the rear, when every 
other is in front, on a retreat ? If they had been 
blood-hounds, it is most probable this would have been 



150 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

their station ; but, as harmless harriers, I cannot con- 
ceive why they should have been ailowed to remain 
there. 

It is considered no bad food, to give dog's, when 
carrion is not to be had, the sweeping's of the com- 
missariat biscuit stores, when conveniently obtained; 
but at this time I cannot conceive how men could take 
such pains about dogs, when flesh was so plentiful 
Indeed, had biscuit been given to the hounds daily at 
this serious moment, such conduct would have been 
sufficient to have caused a mutiny in an army labour- 
ing, as it then was, under privations of so severe a 
nature. 

This occurrence may, as I have already said, be 
true, and mentioned without any malignant design; 
but I cannot refrain from remarking that there ap- 
pears to me, in the manner of making the statement, 
a desire of impressing on the public mind an idea that 
Lord Wellington took more interest in the fate of his 
hounds than in that of his troops — a supposition too 
revolting to be for a moment entertained. That 
Lord Byron, who has so egregiously misrepresented 
the affair, should have been among the number misled 
by this statement, I am much surprised. A man of 
his transcendent talents might have known, that the 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 151 

mind of a Commander-in-chief of such an army, 
under such circumstances, must have matter of much 
more consequence to occupy his attention than that 
of feeding* of hounds ! I am aware that this asper- 
sion is not of sufficient magnitude to attract the notice 
of the illustrious Chief ; but I feel it incumbent on me, 
as a British officer, to make my observations on what 
appears to me an attempt to affix so unmerited a slur 
on the character of that great man. 

But to return from this digression, for which I am 
persuaded no apology will be considered necessary, to 
the thread of my narrative: — I have mentioned the 
circumstance of the men being- compelled to feed upon 
the raw flesh they could procure; and, indeed, had 
we halted, cooking- was out of the question : it would 
have given the men more fatigue in dressing their 
meat than the nutriment of it would have afforded 
them strength; the wood being- far too wet for the 
purpose of lighting fires. The rainy season had now 
completely set in, and our retreat at this time was 
almost as incessant as the rain. The difficulties, pri- 
vations, and hardships we encountered, were probably 
almost as severe as those endured in the retreat of 
the French from Moscow, with the exception of the 
distance; and, for myself, I certainly should prefer 
marching through frost and snow, to rain and mire. 



152 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

I do not think that I exaggerate greatly in sayings 
that we lost nearly as great a number of men, in pro- 
portion, as the ill-fated host of fugitives from Russia. 

To increase the misery of our situation, this wet 
and gloomy weather was rendered still more insuf- 
ferable by the tempestuous gusts of wind, which now 
prevailed like the equinoctial gales in this country, 
but with much greater force ; and meeting us in the 
avenues and defiles through which we passed, drove 
the rain in our faces with such violence, that many 
were blown down, and others could scarcely make 
head against it: and during the short rest we got, 
in the darkness of the night, we had no other shelter 
but the thick forest, nor any covering but the cloudy 
sky, as we frequently did not see our baggage for days 
together. 

This period I consider the worst part of the retreat, 
and the principal cause of those dire calamities which 
ensued. We contended with every difficulty, moving 
slowly through an immense tract of country ; for im- 
pediments of all kinds prevented our going fast. Out 
route was not on the high road, but through woods, 
desarts, heaths, mountains, and flats, covered with 
sheets of water, like the meadows in our own country 
when overflown by the rivers. How closely the enemy 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 153 

pursued us may easily be conceived, from the dashing 
General Paget having been overtaken by them in 
these wilds. The moment we attempted to bivouac, 
that moment they commenced cannonading us; and 
under this destructive fire, without covering or food, 
having every thing to apprehend, have we sat shiver- 
ing on the cold ground the whole night, praying for 
day-light to see our way forward. Rising one morn- 
ing from one of these swampy resting-places, our 
regiment was ordered to fall in and form square, when 
the General of Division made his appearance, and 
severely reprimanded us for the loss of so many men, 
whom we were obliged to leave on the road to the 
mercy of the enemy. 

In this distressing state we proceeded, I may say, 
for about five days together (I speak only of the 
brigade to which I belonged), without any supply of 
food from the Commissariat; and the consequences 
attending this privation will soon be seen. My readers 
will naturally be surprised at such an assertion, and 
will inquire how this army could exist. Indeed, their 
existence can only be attributed to the mercy of an 
all-bounteous Providence ; for these very wet and dis- 
mal forests, through which we passed, not only 
afforded us shelter from the cutting winds, but pro- 
vided a sufficient substitute for bread to save a famish- 



154 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

ing army. They abounded in acorns of a species 
quite different from those found in England, growing 
on a small oak with a prickly leaf, somewhat resem- 
bling the holly. These acorns, when boiled or 
roasted, were as sweet as chestnuts ; and even eaten 
raw, they were very palatable. Besides these, the 
men sometimes got meat from the bullocks and horses 
that were dead on the road ; the soldiers would run 
out of the ranks, and with their knives and bill-hooks 
cut them up with as much dexterity as the butchers 
in Leadenhali-market ; then sticking the flesh on their 
bayonets, they would march on with this chance sup- 
ply. In this state of suffering and hardship we con- 
tinued our retreat. The roads (if they deserved that 
name) were rendered almost impassable: to many r 
indeed, quite so; for several of the poor men at 
length became so exhausted, that they stuck in the 
mud, and had not strength to extricate themselves; 
we were therefore obliged to leave them to their fate, 
for it was now " every one for himself." Being much 
worn with dysentery, I went on one day with the 
baggage-guard, and, with the rest of the troops that 
passed this route, had to ford upwards of twenty 
rivers — a circumstance which every poor fellow on 
this march will well remember. It was literally 
nothing less than wading through water, sometimes 
breast-high, at others knee-deep. I cannot exagge- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 155 

rate the horrors of this retreat, were I even inclined 
to do so ; for many will probably peruse this narrative 
who had to endure the same conflict with myself. 

On this occasion, as I was about to cross the most 
deep and rapid of these streams, being" very weak and 
tired, I got on my horse, now become as weak as 
myself, and whose life I only preserved by leading 
him by my side. However, in order to lessen my 
difficulty, and imagining that he might be strong 
enough for this little exertion, I mounted him: but, 
unfortunately, when about the middle, the poor 
animal fell down, and plunged me over head and 
ears into the water ; so that, in order to avoid a little 
wet, I found myself even in no small danger of being 
drowned, for my foot had got entangled in the stirrup, 
and I had great trouble in extricating it. On getting 
out with my horse, I was glad to continue marching, 
in order to circulate my blood and keep myself from 
perishing with cold: at last we came to a house, 
a thing which we had not seen for many days. I 
went in and got myself warm, roasted some acorns, 
and prepared some tea, which I had not till now 
had the means of boiling; this was the last of the 
little stock I had in my pocket, and proved to me 
a greater restorative than even Doctor Solomon's Balm 
of Gilead. 



15£> THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

Tea is an article of luxury very little known in 
this part of the world. Even in the towns, where 
there is nothing to disturb the business of the shops, 
it is not to be had at the grocers', as in this kingdom : 
but, should any traveller ask for it as a medicine at an 
apothecary's, he will be sure to obtain it. I state 
this circumstance for the information of those who 
may hereafter travel in any part of the Spanish 
dominions. 

As we gradually approached the frontiers of Por- 
tugal, we left the forests and flat country behind us, 
and came into a very mountainous district. We now 
got occasionally half an allowance of rum, and by 
chance even a regular supply, till at length we left 
Ciudad Rodrigo in our rear, beyond which place the 
French did not pursue us. We then halted a few 
days, and, for the first time since the retreat had 
commenced, were quartered in a village: this was 
called Villa d'Agua, literally, Water-town — a name 
most applicable to the face of the country we had 
been passing through. 

Still we were destitute of money, not having had 
more than half a month's pay issued out for the last 
six months; we had, therefore, nothing to exist on 
but the scanty allowance of the Commissary. After 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 157 

this short respite, we continued retreating, and the 
weather, as if determined to keep time with us, con- 
tinued its stormy violence ; for it was in the worst part 
of the year that we were compelled to undertake this 
severe duty. The latter end of November had arrived 
when we got into winter-quarters, after continually 
advancing and retrograding from the time we landed 
at Lisbon — a period of about seven months, three of 
which were spent on this trying retreat. We at last 
arrived at Momento, a little village at the foot of the 
Estrella Mountains, and there went into cantonments : 
and thus ended this disastrous campaign; but the 
dreadful consequences attending it were only com- 
mencing, as will be shown in the sequel of this 
Narrative. 



158 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



CHAPTER IX. 

* They close in clouds of smoke and dust, 
With sword-sway and with lances' thrust ; 

And such a yell was there, 
Of sudden and portentous birth, 
As if men fought upon the earth, 

And fiends in upper air : 
O ! life and death were in the shout, 
Recoil and rally, charge and rout, 

And triumph and despair." 

Marmion. 



In this little dirty village I got a little dirty billet, 
such as commonly fell to the lot of officers of my rank, 
and with which, had it even been worse than it then 
was, I should have been contented — glad of any shel- 
ter from this inclement season. My quarter was in the 
house of a poor peasant, who gave me a small room, 
with a straw mattress and a little covering in one 
corner, and a few stones for a fire-place in another. 
There was no chimney, the smoke always finding its 
own passage through the crevices of the tiles. We 
still remained without any money, which we had 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 159 

almost learnt to do without. Indeed, so much was I 
in the habit of taking- what I could get in the shape 
of food, that I am ashamed to confess I had nearly 
robbed this poor family of all their potatoes — such a 
luxury did I think vegetables with our meagre ration 
of beef. Had private soldiers been in the house, they 
probably would not have confined themselves to this 
article. 

An order now arrived for the pay-master to proceed 
to head-quarters for one month's pay; and he soon 
returned with the money. This desirable supply gave 
me the means of purchasing eggs, fruit, flour, &c. from 
my poor old host, and of otherwise recompensing him 
for my depredations. 

We next moved our quarters to Santa Marhina, 
which was the nearest village, there not being room 
enough for us in this. I here got a better billet : indeed, 
we even began to make ourselves comfortable : the 
men were in snug quarters, and had good provisions, 
good fires, warm beds, and fine chocolate for breakfast, 
with even necessary comfort, and above all, rest, 
after their fatigue. But this sudden and welcome 
change from the greatest sufferings to a state of com- 
fortable repose, was the very cause of our consequent 



160 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

calamities. No sooner were we settled in our canton- 
ments, than we experienced the fatal effects of the 
almost unparalleled suffering's we had undergone ; and 
the sudden transition, already mentioned, to compara- 
tive plenty, brought on the most malignant complaints, 
especially fever, dysentery, and rheumatism. The en- 
tire regiment was on the sick list ; for a considerable 
time we had not a man on parade, not even convales- 
cent men enough to attend the sick : it was therefore 
found necessary to call in the assistance of the inha- 
bitants ; indeed, we were now in such a deplorable 
state, that a staff-surgeon and four assistants were 
sent us, in addition to our own — so much did we stand 
in need of medical aid. With respect to hospitals, 
nearly half the houses in the village were converted 
to that purpose. It was truly distressing to see the 
situation of this fine regiment, which had only landed 
about seven months previously upwards of a thousand 
strong, and which, when at Salamanca on the advance, 
was allowed to be the strongest English regiment ever 
seen in that part of the country, now reduced to a 
number insignificant to form a parade, and that too 
without firing a shot. The church-yard was now a 
more common resort for them; for we buried from 
seventy to eighty men in this town in little more 
than a month — a proof how many more are killed by 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 161 

privations and hardships of a long campaign, than by 
the violence of the sword. 



Severe, indeed, were our sufferings : in many in- 
stances the feet and legs of the men swelled, then 
turned black, gradually decayed, and finally dropped 
off. I will not enlarge on this unpleasant subject, 
which cannot, I am sure, be agreeable to the reader ; 
I shall only observe, that I was in a very sickly state 
myself, labouring under violent dysentery, which had 
now become a chronic complaint. Most of the officers 
were in the same unfortunate condition, and many 
of them died. Fortunate, indeed, was he, who, escap- 
ing all the vicissitudes and changes of this eventful 
scene, has been enabled to enjoy the remainder of his 
life in his domestic circle ! — a blessing which I con- 
ceive not to have fallen to the lot of more than one in 
ten of those who went through the Peninsular cam- 
paigns. It is true, I have escaped with life; but 
this severe dysentery, which has lasted for upwards 
of eight years, and other diseases, the concomitants 
of this long and severe campaigning, have so de- 
ranged my nervous system, as ultimately to deprive 
me of the sight of my left eye, and otherwise mate- 
rially injure my constitution. 

In this town we passed the remainder of the win- 



162 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

terj and at length began to get the better of our 
afflictions, and even to muster a few men on pa- 
rade. I had here a very good room with a brazero 
(a kind of grate to hold charcoal), a tolerable bed, and 
a very kind hostess. Time passed pretty agreeably ; 
and more money being issued to us, we had the means 
of providing greater comforts. The sutlers or hux- 
ters, however, charging a most exorbitant price for 
every article, we were obliged to be extremely frugal ; 
as experience had taught us, on the last campaign, to 
endeavour to provide better for the ensuing, which was 
ere long to commence with all the vigour of the 
former one, and which might probably be found as 
long and as eventful as any that had preceded it. 

About this time a very unpleasant circumstance oc- 
curred in my habitation. My poor landlady, a widow 
with a large family, a very good humane creature, 
and who had paid great attention to the sick troops, 
at last, unfortunately, caught the fever, which carried 
her off in a few days, leaving her numerous orphan 
family destitute — a misfortune which excited in all 
who knew and appreciated her benevolent character, 
the greatest and most sincere regret. 

From our long stay in this quarter, it became very 
difficult to obtain forage for our cattle ; and we were 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 103 

obliged to go to so great a distance in search of it, 
that we were frequently out for a week together. On 
these excursions we had to cross the Estrella, or Starry 
Mountains, which are prodigiously high, and difficult 
to ascend ; and, on descending', the animals could 
scarcely keep their footing, from the quantity of snow 
that fell here, which being sometimes thawed in the 
day, and afterwards frozen, rendered the declivity very 
slippery. Indeed, such was the difficulty of gaining the 
villages situated among these vast mountains, that the 
inhabitants informed me the French had never ven- 
tured to pay them a visit. We found the people ex- 
tremely civil, always lodging and feeding the parties 
that went among them. In one of my rambles on 
this duty, I had the misfortune to lose a mule, that 
slipped down a precipice, and was killed. On return- 
ing we found the animal nearly devoured by wolves, 
which prowl about in packs on these heights. One of 
them stood and looked at us with great ferocity ; but 
on coming closer it made off, just as one of the men 
was about loading his piece to shoot it, which I or- 
dered him to do, being myself a very bad shot. So 
numerous were these creatures in this quarter, that, 
being pressed with hunger from the severity of the 
weather in the cold regions, they often descended 
during the night to our villages, and scratching open 
the graves of our recently buried men, preyed upon 

M 2 



164 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

their flesh. Many of the inhabitants in this neigh- 
bourhood constantly ride with the skins of these 
animals over their saddles, by way of trophy; but 
never unless the rider has himself killed the wolf — 
otherwise they consider it usurping the honours of 
another. 

We benefited greatly by these little journeys; get- 
ting many articles of provisions at a cheaper rate from 
the villages to which we went, such as fowls, eggs, 
bacon, and a vast quantity of chestnuts, which were 
here so plentiful that the inhabitants made us presents 
of large quantities of them. The abundance of these 
towns may be conceived from their names, which in 
general referred to what they most abound in, such as 
Villa de Porco, Villa de Montaga, Villa de Castanos, 
Villa de Vino, &c— Pork Town, Butter Town, Chest- 
nut Town, Wine Town, &c. 

The regiment now began to make a respectable 
appearance on parade, mustering about four hundred 
men, besides convalescents ; for this long continuance 
in quarters gave time for those who were left at 
depots to come up, the sick to recover, the men who 
had been overtaken on the retreat and made prisoners 
to escape, and join the regiment; as well as for fresh 
detachments from EnHand to arrive. We once more 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 165 

began to wear a joyful countenance, and to enjoy some 
pleasure. The spring* approached with hasty steps, 
and Nature began to appear bedecked in her fairest 
robes ; but what most benefited us of all her gifts, was 
an abundant supply of green forage, which the neigh- 
bouring fields now afforded without being obliged 
to go to so great a distance to fetch it. 

We had by this time in a great measure repaired our 
past misfortunes; the baggage we lost had been 
re-placed, and the cattle we left drowned in the rivers 
and broken down on the ground, had been supplied 
by others. We began to assume an air of gaiety, 
amusing ourselves with horse-racing, shooting-parties, 
riding about the country, &c. The ladies of the place 
claimed our attention, which indeed had never been 
altogether dormant; but we had been unable to 
display our gallantry before in so jovial and entertain- 
ing a style as we now had it in our power to do, from 
a more free circulation of money, which enabled us to 
decorate the ball-room, the theatres, and the festive 
board. I shall not enter into detailed accounts of 
these various recreations enjoyed by those happy fel- 
lows who had the good fortune to survive their late dis- 
asters ; but shall perform an act of duty in attempting 
effectually to remove a stigma which was thrown on 
the regiment in which I had the honour to serve, for 



166 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

I think it never too late to destroy an erroneous im- 
pression. To do this I must refer to our landing- at 
Lisbon, where we disembarked with our full comple- 
ment of men, and were certainly by much the strongest 
regiment in the country, even to the time of our reach- 
ing the capital of Spain ; for we had received a 
detachment from home to supply the place of those 
left at sick depots. In this effective state we were 
when the retreat commenced from Aranjuez, which 
is about twenty leagues beyond Madrid ; and hitherto 
we had had a regular supply of rations, and experienced 
good weather; so that even through forced and 
harassing* marches the troops had kept their ranks, 
although but a few weeks before they were at their 
ease in the finest and most pampered garrison in the 
world. They were the most part merely boys, who 
had never before gone a long march, for the flower of 
our regiment had been lost on other services, particu- 
larly at Flushing ; and these were not to be compared 
to the veteran troops who had become inured to change 
of climate, to hardships, and fatigue. When these 
young men began to feel the dampness of the wet 
ground, the want of their accustomed good fare and 
warm covering, and to continue an incessant march, 
each loaded with sixty rounds of ball cartridge, his 
knapsack, haversack, musket, blanket, canteen, ac- 
coutrements, and provisions, (when these last could 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 167 

be obtained), how could it be matter of surprise, that 
we should be compelled to leave three times as many 
as any other corps did on the road, seeing that we 
were nearly treble the. strength, and destitute of the 
advantages possessed by those regiments who had been 
familiarized with the arduous duties of a campaign ? 
In consequence of this, we were reprimanded by the 
General of Division for the number of casualties we 
daily experienced: he appeared to imagine that the 
officers, particularly ^he subalterns, were deficient in 
their duty, and we were therefore turned out of the 
division for this apparent want of discipline. But I have 
seen these very officers do their duty on the most ur- 
gent occasions in an exemplary manner : I have known 
them exert the greatest severity towards these unfor- 
tunate men, and even threaten them with punishment ; 
but all to no purpose. I have also seen them employ 
the kindest methods, encourage them, take their mus- 
kets, knapsacks, &c, and carry them for these poor 
fellows; but without avail. Entirely exhausted, the 
unfortunate creatures lay down on the road-side and 
were overtaken by the enemy in such numbers, that in 
the course of twenty-four hours our regiment had lost 
from sixty to seventy men ; but what was to be done 
in this deplorable case, more than intreaty or persua- 
sion could effect'? It was impossible to carry them on 
our backs, the spring waggons and all other modes 



168 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

of conveyance were either too far in our front, or 
loaded to such a degree that they could not receive 
more. 

We were accordingly turned out of the division, 
and our commanding officer socn after placed under 
an arrest, for the supposed negligent conduct of this 
now unfortunate regiment. We were placed in the 
division that was considered the refuse of the army; 
but the sequel will show whether this very regiment, 
brigade, and division, were not to rank among the 
first, for the bravery and gallantry of their conduct. 
Indeed, as soon as the suffering's which brought this 
supposed disgrace on our regiment were made known 
to the Commander-in-chief, he immediately ordered 
our Colonel out of arrest, and gave us every facility in 
his power to free ourselves from these distressing 
calamities. 

With respect to the report of numbers of our men 
having strayed from their battalions, and carried on a 
kind of plunder, by shooting the wild pigs, with 
which these woods are stocked, I am sorry to say it is 
too correct: but there are ill-disposed men in every 
corps; and if these men were determined to desert 
their companies, and pursue this occupation, how 
could their officers prevent it any more than they 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 169 

could hinder their desertion for different purposes? 
They had no other means than bringing- them before 
a military tribunal, which could not then be assem- 
bled, or of the temporary one of a trial at the drum- 
head, by resorting to which the army might have been 
delayed there for a long time, and one half of them 
shot for mutiny — the crime attached to those who 
will not obey their officers ; for all our 'persuasions, 
threats, and intreaties, were now totally disregarded. 
Nor can this be wondered at: the men conceived that 
they might escape punishment for plundering, but 
they did not think it possible to escape starvation 
without acting as they did. 

Let me now return to my companions in arms. In 
the month of April, we received instructions to hold 
ourselves in readiness for advancing again, and to 
provide ourselves with all kinds of camp equipage. 
We now had constant field-days to bring us again 
into discipline. The month of May arrived, when, 
with all our losses, we mustered seven hundred 
strong, and as fine a regiment as any that left 
their winter-quarters, to encounter the ensuing cam- 
paign. 

At length the long looked-for route arrived; and 
we marched from Santa Marhina, about the middle of 



170 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

this month, as fresh and in as good spirits as if we 
had never suffered by the incidents consequent on this 
exposed and active kind of life. 

Previous to my proceeding, permit me to observe 
that, in relating the vast sufferings which I have so 
faintly described, it cannot for a moment be imagined 
that I attribute one particle of these misfortunes to 
the great chief who commanded this persevering and 
enterprising army. On the contrary, they are only 
to be attributed to the fortune of war, which no 
human foresight could avert, nor any calculation 
obviate ; and the principal reason of my attempting to 
delineate them is to show to Old England the true 
worth of her martial sons, conceiving that the greater 
the perils and dangers encountered by her soldiers, 
the greater praise will they have for surmounting 
them. 

I shall now proceed to relate even greater under- 
takings, greater victories, and perhaps as great 
disasters, as I have aleady described; and, if there 
be any of my countrymen who have read this narrative 
thus far, and conceive I am not entitled to a compen- 
sation for the serious loss I have sustained in conse- 
quence of these sufferings, let them be kind enough 
to proceed, and I hope they will be induced to decide 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 171 

in my favour before they come to the conclusion of 
this little volume.* 

Be this as it may, I shall not dwell on such 
casualties, but endeavour to forget disappointments, 
and move cheerfully and pleasantly forward, con- 
ducting you smoothly through those rough and 
eventful scenes in which it has been my fate to be 
both an actor and a spectator. 

Our march for the first two or three hundred miles 
was like a party of pleasure, in comparison to others 
we had encountered: we passed through a most de- 



* I trust my lenient readers will pardon the expression of my 
feelings on this occasion, as I conceive I had been borne out in 
my expectation, by the strongest certificates from the most eminent 
oculists, under whose care and examination 1 have been, and who 
have honoured me with their names as Subscribers to this book. 
They state, that " in this instance it appears to them, that the dis- 
ease has entirely originated from the hardships to which Captain 
Wood has been exposed, and the complaints occasioned by such 
exposure." 

There is nothing to be regretted in losing a member, even more 
than adequate to a limb, in our country's cause : I suffer such a 
loss without a murmur ; but, when I am informed by officers, and 
one of these of my own corps, that they have been remunerated 
for similar losses, incurred in the same manner, and on service of 
the same nature, my mind becomes agitated, and my honour con- 
cerned, to know the cause of my not receiving a similar reward : 
I trust, however, that this circumstance will be attributed, by my 
liberal countrymen, to any thing but dereliction of duty. 



172 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

lightful level country, abounding in all the verdant 
beauties of nature, and affording- the greatest plenty 
of forage for cattle, which is the principal support 
to an army en grande route. Every thing and every 
countenance now wore the aspect of joy — the men 
singing, and telling their jocose stories, as they 
passed along hill and dale; till, leaving many fine 
towns and an open country in our rear, we came in 
sight of the enemy's videttes, and the next morning 
had to cross a rapid river, I believe the Ebro : part 
of the troops forded it ; but most of the battalion-men 
were obliged to wait for the pontons, as many of the 
soldiers who attempted to ford, not being tall 
enough, were swept away by the rapidity of the 
current. 

We expected the French on the other side would 
oppose our crossing ; but we were mistaken, as they 
withdrew on our appearance. Had they defended 
this wonderfully advantageous position, on high land 
nearly perpendicularly to the water's edge, making 
it almost impossible to cross at any spot except where 
the pontons were placed, and kept a steady fire of 
artillery on our working parties, and, indeed, all 
along our line of march on the banks of this river, 
they must have done great execution. We crossed, 
however, without opposition, in sight of our noble 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 173 

Commander, who was seated on a rock in company 
with General Lord Lynedoch. We defiled with music 
playing-, colours flying, and bayonets glittering, which 
had a very imposing effect. On winding up the 
opposite hills, we halted on the top; and had no 
sooner got our meat on the fire, anxious to appease 
our appetites, after a long and sultry march, when 
we observed one of the Duke's staff running down 
a hill in the advance, and waving his hat to us. We 
understood him; and in less than ten minutes the 
troops were fully accoutred, and in march to the place 
which this officer had pointed out, leaving the fires, 
kettles, and dinners, to cook themselves: but the 
enemy, finding us so much on the alert, and so 
quickly in position, withdrew their forces, and we 
betook ourselves to our old ground, where we found 
our rations extremely well boiled, and we were not 
long in demolishing them. 

At some distance from this place we halted for a 
few days, when we were reviewed by our Commander ; 
and a fine healthy appearance the troops made. At 
this review a singular occurrence happened to me : — 
on passing by in review order, and coming to the spot 
of salutation, I was so engrossed with contemplating* 
a man who had been so great a favourite of Fortune 
as our Commander-in-chief, that I absolutely forgot 



174 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

to salute him ; nor did I recollect myself until I had 
passed him, when I stole my sword down from the 
support to the present, without ever coming" to the 
recover. This circumstance, however, if observed, 
was not noticed by him ; for great minds are generally 
engaged in great undertakings, and seldom affected 
by trifles. 

We pursued our way, with good roads, good wea- 
ther, good provisions, and plenty of dust, till we 
arrived in the environs of Vittoria, in the front of 
which town the enemy were posted most advantage- 
ously, and in great numbers : they certainly made a 
most imposing appearance as they formed their line of 
battle, towards which we advanced with a confident 
step ; peals of artillery echoing through the lofty hills, 
as we descended their trembling slopes to gain the 
glorious field. We advanced through the tumultuous 
scene with a battery in our front, dealing out dire 
destruction ; and halting here, as if to defy its greatest 
efforts, we waited the signal of attack: men and 
officers fell in every direction ; and their wounds were 
most dreadful, being all inflicted with cannon-balls or 
shells, except that of our Colonel, who received a 
musket-shot in his stomach. Our front was exposed 
to the full range of this redoubt, and had to contend 
with a French regiment on the right of the battery ; 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 175 

but after politely receiving us with a few sharp volleys, 
which we as politely returned, they retreated firing-, 
and bent their course into a thicket. Towards this 
we advanced firing-, and drove them furiously before 
us, till they were completely routed ; and we had the 
satisfaction of passing over numbers whom we had 
laid prostrate. It was now that the hurry, bustle, and 
confusion of a great battle were experienced: such 
smoke, such noise, such helter-skelter! the cries of 
the wounded — the groans of the dying — the shouts of 
the victors — the dragoons and artillery flying — dust in 
clouds — caps, muskets, and knapsacks, strewing the 
ground — baggage, carriages, waggons, and carts, 
broken down. Such a spectacle might indeed cause 
the conquering army to exclaim, " Oh ! what a glorious 
thing is battle!" But what must be the situation and 
feelings of the vanquished? 

This scene continued, till night put an end to the 
bloody fray and equally bloody pursuit; when we 
halted, leaving Vittoria some miles in our rear. We 
had not had a morsel to eat the whole of this day, as 
we moved off our ground before the supplies had 
arrived: bread, indeed, we had not received for two 
days previously; we therefore appeased our hunger 
by plucking the corn from the ears, as we trampled 
over the fields of it, with which this fine country 



176 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

abounds, and which was at this moment fit for the 
sickle. This expedient satisfied our craving- wants 
till the action commenced, when our attention was 
attracted by other objects. One of my men picked 
up a French haversack, out of which he got a large 
biscuit, which he began eating most greedily without 
offering his comrade any part : at this instant a shell 
burst very near him, a splinter of which broke his 
leg ; he hopped screaming away, and let fall the 
bread, which his comrade snatched up and ate, ob- 
serving, that it served the other right for his gree- 
diness. 

At this time we were halted; and were in some 
measure compensated for the loss of bread, by the 
plentiful supply we got of water, which, indeed, was 
a great advantage, after the heat and fatigue of the 
day. 

We had now taken up our ground and piled our 
arms, when some of the men went to the rear under 
various pretences, but soon returned: some with 
bread, brandy, fowls, and all kinds of eatables; 
others with dollars, doubloons, plate, and every 
article that could be procured from the French bag- 
gage, which we had passed, but dared not fall out 
of our ranks to take possession of at the time, having 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 177 

a more serious duty to perform than attending 1 to 
plunder — that of first beating- the enemy away from 
it. I certainly must confess I regarded these waggons 
loaded and broken down with specie, over which we 
were obliged to drive the foe, with a wishful, eye; 
but honour being with a soldier preferable to riches, 
I relinquished the latter for the former. We were, 
however, amply supplied with every thing that was 
good, by those who had the good fortune to share in 
the spoil. Indeed, for my own part, I could not 
complain, having contrived to get a very fine young 
horse, belonging to the Polish Lancers, which came 
running in my way without a rider, completely 
accoutred ; and a handsome quilt, which I found very 
useful at night. Such plenty now prevailed, that I 
do not suppose there was a man in the field who had 
not a good meal that night from the stores of the 
enemy, which were copiously supplied with every 
comfort, and now came to us so very seasonably; 
for, 'although every man had not an opportunity of 
partaking in the plunder, yet there was so great 
an abundance of every necessary brought into camp, 
that they were enabled to share the provision with 
each other. We also got a most seasonable supply 
of those valuable articles — good shoes, taken from 
the French magazines. Our men had been constantly 
on the tramp for many weeks together, without having 

N 



178 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

time or opportunity to get their old ones mended; 
indeed several of them had marched for the last few 
days barefooted. Not getting- quite enough to supply 
all my men (having the charge of a company), I sent 
the remainder to exchange theirs with the dead men, 
many of whom were found scattered about the field 
with much better shoes than their living comrades 
had on; so that all got completely suited in this 
respect. We likewise obtained a good supply of 
salt, an article of great luxury in this part of the 
country, where it is very dear and scarce ; and also 
tobacco, which could not be obtained previous to 
this day's victory — a victory that crowned us with 
almost every desirable gift that honour and good 
fortune could confer. 

To paint the scene that now ensued after the battle, 
among the troops, would be far beyond my power. 
Some were carousing over their spoils, others swear- 
ing at their ill-luck at not obtaining more; some 
dancing mad with eau-de-vie, others sharing doubloons, 
dollars, watches, gold trinkets, and other valuable 
articles. The more rational and feeling were talking 
of their suffering comrades, somewhat in the following 
strain : 

" This was a devil of a fight sure-ly ! that was a 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 179 

woundy crack poor Barney got, wor'n't it, Joe?' — 
" Ah! but poor Bill Flint got a worse: he be laid 
low enough, poor fellow !" " But what do you think 
of that fine young lieutenant of the grenadiers?" 
" Why, dang it, his limbs be shivered to splinters : 
but I hope as how I shall see the brave fellow on a 
timber-toe some of these odd days; for he be a 
damn'd good officer." "Ay! that he be; and bad 
luck to the French frogs, if they don't hop away 
too fast for us, we will pay them off for it yet ; but 
we can't help trifles; so come along, Joe; here's to 
ye, and let's have the old song, ' Our lodgings be on 
the cold ground.' " 

Amidst this extraordinary and novel scene, with 
a bottle of French brandy in one hand, some biscuit 
in the other, the fine large quilt thrown over 
me, and two fat fowls under my head, I sunk on 
my pillow to sleep. Morning now came, and we 
rose from our verdant couch, with spirits become 
light as air, to continue the pursuit. Our provisions 
being issued, we set off, completely elevated by 
our late success and the defeat of the enemy. 
Besides their killed, wounded, and prisoners, they 
lost one hundred and fifty-one pieces of cannon, 
upwards of four hundred waggons of ammunition, 
all their treasure, baggage, provisions, cattle, stores, 

N 2 



180 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

carriages, waggons loaded with bullion, magazines, 
horses, mules, carts; in short, every thing, to the 
very baton of their Field-Marshal. Indeed, it was 
with the utmost difficulty that the Ex-king Joseph 
himself escaped. Greater spoils than this field pro- 
duced were never, I believe, witnessed by British 
troops in Europe, either before or since. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 181 



CHAPTER X. 



The foe, before retiring fast arid far, 

First slowlier fled, then rallied, then withstood ; 

Now flame for flame, and blood for blood, must tell 

The tide of triumph ebbs that flow'd too well ; 

Now wrath returns to renovated strife, 

And those who fought for conquest strike for life. 

Byron. 



We were now in quick pursuit, and hitherto had 
scarcely experienced a rainy day since we left our 
winter-quarters. It was at this time the height of 
summer, and very hot ; but being- inured to the climate, 
it made little impression on us. We continued fol- 
lowing up the fugitive forces incessantly ; and about 
the third day the atmosphere became sultry to an al- 
most insupportable degree : the sky appeared overcast 
with portending clouds, containing a great portion of 
electric fluid — the thunder was soon heard at a dis- 
tance, and the storm gained on us rapidly, accompa*- 
nied with the most vivid flashes of lightning ; and it 
now broke over our heads in so dreadful and alarming 



182 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

a manner, as to confound us much more than the roar- 
ing* of the French artillery : the drenching 1 rain poured 
down on us in torrents, and the roads streamed with 
water. Night approaching, we struck into a thicket, 
the only place that could afford the least shelter 
from this dreadful tempest; and, in this state, we 
remained, anxiously awaiting the dawn of day, when 
we with difficulty lighted fires to dry our wet and 
miry clothes, and warm our cold and miserable 
persons. 

Being half-dried, we proceeded; and the sub 
bursting forth in all its splendour, soon re-animated 
our benumbed frames. On this day's march we were 
informed that the storm had killed an officer of the 
34th regiment, and much hurt several of the men ; 
indeed, it shook the whole army as if they were elec- 
trified—- or rather, as if they were standing on ground 
agitated by an earthquake. 

We arrived in the neighbourhood of Pampeluna, 
which place the French had got possession of : a great 
part of the troops were therefore left to invest it, 
whilst my division went in pursuit of General Clausal, 
who had taken a different route from the main body of 
the French army. After much distressing and in- 
effectual marching, we found they had proceeded by 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 183 

the nearest road out of the country : we were conse- 
quently obliged to retrace our steps, and in a few days 
joined the main body of the army in following up the 
French, who were now retreating across the Pyrenees. 
We ascended these mountains, with many a rugged 
step, over steep precipices and craggy rocks; and, 
after winding up these stupendous heights for days 
together, reached the summit. We were now in some 
measure compensated for our toils, by seeing those 
troops which had so often harassed us at last driven 
into their own country ; imagining that we at length 
had gained our object, in having effectually relieved 
the Spanish dominions from these hosts of locusts. 

These airy regions, on whose " cloud-capp^' tops 
we were now encamped, we did not find the most un- 
pleasant spot to be met with ; for here we were 
supplied by the French smugglers with brandy and 
wine, as well as bread, fruit, and other necessaries. 
Another thing still more unexpected was, that among 
these mountains we found great quantities of wild 
cherries, plums, and apples ; and the men even dis- 
covered green tobacco, probably cultivated by the 
mountaineers, which they made very palatable by 
drying it in the sun. We were, however, much incon- 
venienced by the thick and misty fogs that commonly 
encompassed these vast heights. Indeed, the clouds 



184 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

were on some occasions beneath us, and the sun 
shining on our camp, while it was raining in the 
enemy's, who were posted in the country below. 

Here we remained some weeks, looking down on the 
enemy, who were in huts at a little distance in their 
native land. Forage became extremely scarce, and 
difficult to procure, all vegetation being now scorched 
up, so that our animals got very little to eat, except 
chopped furze, with which they made a very good 
shift to preserve life ; but even this was with difficulty 
obtained, as I have too good reason to remember. 
Being sent out one morning, very early, I travelled with 
my party a great distance, till at length I perceived a 
little village on the extreme right of our line, but far 
secluded in the towering mountains that extended in 
this direction. This being a spot which I did not con- 
ceive to be much visited by either French or English 
foraging parties, I expected to obtain here a good 
store of this necessary article : I therefore entered the 
place, and desired my men to search those out-build- 
ings most likely to contain it ; in which undertaking I 
was prevented from assisting them, for, just at this 
time, being subject to ague, I found a fit coming on, 
and was in consequence induced to ask the landlady of 
a petty dirty posado, where our mules were baiting, to 
permit me to lie down on a bed for about an hour. This 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 185 

she consented to, but remarked that she had no room 
in which she could accommodate me, except one at the 
top of the house ; however, I was thankful for any 
place to lay my head upon at this moment, and without 
ceremony was shown up a flight of narrow dark stairs, 
by a bonny, dirty, curly-haired lass, whose demeanour 
corresponded with the appearance of every thing I 
saw about me : still I was glad to follow her, that I 
might cover myself up and protect myself from the 
cold fit, which now began to make me tremble 
severely. On coming to the door, she pointed to a 
button, and spoke a great deal ; but not one syllable 
did I comprehend, it being a language peculiar to the 
mountaineers : however, she made me understand, by 
placing her hand on her mouth, that I should preserve 
silence. This certainly looked suspicious; never- 
theless I turned the little wooden fastening, and 
gained admittance to a long gloomy chamber, not 
much unlike a loft : here were five or six common bed- 
steads, with a palliasse, a pillow, and an enormous 
wrapper to each, which seemed quite calculated for 
the hardy race of this district, who seldom take off 
their clothes. At the farther end of the room, on 
one of these beds, which was partly hid by the 
crossing of some beams put to prop up the roof, and 
which was only discernible by means of a few rays 
that penetrated the crevices of the tiles, lay two men, 



186 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

one of whom appeared to be in much bodily pain, as 
if he had been severely wounded ;- the other, from the 
slight glances I could catch of him, appeared a huge 
bearded sallow-looking fellow, whose countenance 
did not savour much of the milk of human kindness. 
It struck me that this man had been left to take care of 
the sick one ; and as they were conversing in a low 
French accent, and very reserved, I considered them 
to be French soldiers, who had hid themselves in this 
village, (which was partly in the French and partly in 
the Spanish territories), particularly as I observed two 
muskets by their bed-side, with two grenadier-caps 
stuck on the top of them, and two hairy knapsacks 
hanging over their heads — all which appeared like 
French accoutrements. However, as they did not seem 
hostilely inclined, I pretended to take no notice of 
them, but wrapping myself in the covering of the bed, 
I laid my head, which ached most sorely, on the 
pillow : at any other time I would much rather have 
rested it on a stone, than on a spot that had so strong 
an effluvia of garlic and every other obnoxious scent. 
Here I remained shaking, and indeed I might say 
quaking, for I certainly had strong apprehension, that 
had I fallen asleep, these fellow house-mates of mine 
would not have acted so disinterestedly with me as 
their present manner seemed to indicate : however, 
after my fit had subsided, I took my departure without 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 187 

molesting them, conceiving* them to be poor wounded 
devils, who at all events would only have been an 
incumbrance to me, had I taken them prisoners ; so I 
left them to remain in their unenviable retreat for the 
present, being determined to'see who they were on my 
return. I now found my way, by means of a savoury 
odour which pervaded the house, to the kitchen, 
whence it proceeded : here I was presented with a fine 
dish of ollapodrida* by the aforesaid lively curly- 
haired maid, whom I now found to be the cook, and 
also the mistress's daughter, and who had by this time 
cleaned and smartened herself up. This refreshment 
I enjoyed much, notwithstanding her former dirty 
appearance; and I found myself renovated exceed- 
ingly. Having finished this repast, and thanked my 
hostess and my pretty maid, (for I now began to 
admire her, in spite of her late slovenly appearance), 
having nothing else to offer to the latter, I thought 
myself in gratitude bound to embrace her, which she 
most cordially returned, and made me understand I 
should be welcome there again when I came that road. 
I took my departure, and went directly in search of 
my party, whom I found loading their mules with 
Indian corn straw, which they had discovered in a 
deserted dwelling a long way from the village. As 

* A species of cookery in much estimation in Spain. 



188 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

soon as they had completed this, we set off on our 
return; but as I conceived it my duty, I was deter- 
mined to call at the inn, in order to ascertain who 
these suspicious characters were : but we had pro- 
ceeded only a trifling distance, when we observed a 
scowering party of the enemy a little to our right, who 
from their manoeuvres appeared desirous of cutting us 
off ; I therefore ordered my men to prime and load, to 
drive the cattle as fast as they could before them, and 
to keep together so as to be able to form in an instant. 
This precaution being strictly observed, and the 
French^perceiving that we were perfectly on our guard 
and determined to Tesist any attack they might make, 
slackened their pace, which permitted us to proceed 
at our leisure, but we were obliged to avoid the 
village, towards which the enemy were bending their 
course; and after travelling all night, this escort 
arrived the next morning in safety at our camp. 

We still remained in a state of suspense, which I 
soon found could not be of long duration. Being one 
day on piquet, I heard a brisk fire of musketry on my 
right, and on getting on higher ground (fearing a sur- 
prise) I observed the advanced brigade desperately 
engaged ; and, to my great regret, I perceived those 
gallant regiments, the 50th and 71st, overpowered by 
numbers, falling back for support, and had the mor- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 189 

tification of seeing- the French take possession of their 
camp and strike their tents. However, the support 
they needed was most promptly afforded by my regi- 
ment, which after a hot contest was also compelled 
to move to the rear by alternate wings : a part, how- 
ever, still kept possession of a commanding" height, 
which the French wished to gain ; and in the defence 
of it, our men, having expended all their ammunition, 
resorted to the novel expedient of throwing stones at 
the enemy, and in this manner preserved it till the 
remainder of the division arrived. I could not help 
remarking the determined bravery of the Brunswickers, 
who, as soon as they came near enough, rushed down 
upon the enemy like so many furies : this severe charge, 
and the support of other troops who now came up, 
arrested for the present the progress of the enemy. 
The evening drawing to a close, the firing gradually 
ceased, and both parties kept their ground; and the 
cessation was a scene of gloomy reflexions. This was 
a most sanguinary day, the bone of contention being 
the pass of Maya. 

With the cloudy night came on a thick fog, accom- 
panied with misty rain ; and it was very dark. We 
were now about to suffer tremendous disasters : thank 
God, their duration was not longer than about five 
days ; had they continued five more, inevitable destruc- 



190 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

tion must have overtaken our troops, for we were now 
about to fly in our turn, and suffer all the horrors of 
a repulsed army, in its worst plight ; — such is the for- 
tune of war ! 

Previous to quitting- this gory spot, we were em- 
ployed in collecting- our wounded, by the sound of 
their piteous groans, as the foggy darkness prevented 
our finding them by any other means. These poor 
fellows were brought and laid by the fires made for 
that purpose. Now an order came to light more fires, 
to make the enemy imagine we were cooking, and 
meant to keep our ground ; but this was mere finesse, 
for as soon as this order was executed, the word, or 
rather whisper, was circulated through the field, to 
stand to our arms, and we moved off by sections to 
commence this perilous retreat, leaving the wounded 
by the dwindling fires to the mercy of the foe : many 
were scattered among the bleak mountains far out of 
the main track, where perhaps they had a shorter 
period put to their existence by the hungry wolves, 
as several were at their last gasp when we left them ; 
but there was no alternative. We could scarcely 
make our way over these unfrequented craggy wilds, 
and it was therefore impossible to render our comrades 
more assistance ; and as to spring-waggons, carts, or 
any mode of conveyance, these were now out of the 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 191 

question — nothing* of that kind being able to come 
among these mountains. 

On quitting this position, the most dismal sensations 
took possession of our breasts. Not a voice, not a 
sound was heard, save the slow step and casual 
murmur of the dejected soldiers, intermingled with 
the moans and groans of the wounded. To add to 
these horrors, I once or twice trod, in the dark, directty 
upon, and fell over, a dead body, cold and naked as the 
clay it was stretched on. 

In this state we kept moving on the whole of this 
sad and sorrowful night, amidst the mountains, the 
woods, and the rain ; the ways being so deluged with 
mire, owing to the great number of cattle and baggage 
passing before us, that it was with difficulty we could 
wade through it. Day-light at length appeared, as 
we passed through the mournful town of Elisonda, 
leaving far in our rear the fine and romantic village of 
Roncesvalles. 

We now took up our ground on these heights ; 
where we had been stationed but a few minutes, when 
we saw our numerous enemy coming down the opposite 
hills, like flocks of sheep, or rather packs of hounds 
in full cry, making much the same noise, and at a dis- 



192 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

tance much resembling them from their dress, which 
is a whitish frock, that they generally wear in wet 
weather. 

They posted themselves on the ground in our front ; 
and their audacity induced them to pitch the very 
tents that I have before mentioned as having been 
taken from us, directly in our view, by way of bra- 
vado. This was certainly very mortifying to us, par- 
ticularly as we were obliged to continue retrograding. 
The siege of St. Sebastian was now about to be raised, 
and a general and precipitate retreat was enforced: 
we were therefore obliged to leave this bivouac, and 
march till we were benighted, and completely ob- 
scured in darkness and rain. So entangled were we 
among carts, horses, vicious mules, baggage and 
artillery broken down, together with ammunition and 
other stores, which lined the roads, that we could not 
extricate ourselves from these impediments. Some 
lighted sticks and candles, which the muleteers had 
with them, only added to the confusion ; for we were 
not able to see one yard beyond the light, owing 
to the thick haze, which seemed to render even dark- 
ness still more dark. — Here the Colonel asked me 
where my men were, for I had only three with me out 
of forty, the strength of the company of which I had 
the command : I told him I did not know, as I could 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 193 

not see in the dark : however he did not put me under 
an arrest for it, and a short time after day-light the 
lost sheep in question rejoined their battalion. 

In this bewildered spot, many who could not stand 
were obliged from fatigue to sit down in the mire : to 
attempt going on was impossible, except by climbing 
over the different vehicles that lined the road. In 
this miserable plight, I seated myself against a tree, 
where weariness caused me, even amidst this bus- 
tle, mud, and riot, to fall fast asleep. My servant 
coming up, disturbed my repose, by presenting me 
with his cap full of tea, having trod in a box of it on 
the way : but he might as well have given me some of 
the mire that we were in to eat, as, at this time, there 
were no fires to make it, or, if there had, there was no 
utensil to have boiled it in, or any thing to have eaten 
with it ; but still I felt grateful for his attention. We 
had, notwithstanding, one advantage here ; for although 
the enemy were at our heels, we were not cannonaded, 
as they could not get their field-pieces up these accli- 
vities in sufficient time. Moving on a few miles far- 
ther, to a more congenial spot, where some fires were 
lighted, near to one of them I could not but observe 
our brave and. hardy Colonel; 



194 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

" His sqnare-turn'd joints, and strength of limb, 
Showed him no carpet knight so trim ; 
But in close fight a champion grim, 
In camps a leader sage." 

He was stretched on his back sound asleep, and seemed 
to be in a pleasant dream, although the rain, which 
was mizzling fast, trickled down his weather-beaten 
furrowed cheeks: this, added to the appearance of 
his venerable snowy locks, his projecting bristly 
eye-brows, and his manly Caledonian countenance, 
presented one of the most martial and dignified 
pictures that a poet could describe, or a painter 
depict. 

We now continued, I may say, flying the whole of 
the day, without any food being issued, except half an 
allowance of rum, which recruited our sinking spirits. 
After refreshing ourselves with this and a little rest, 
w T e proceeded on the whole of the next night, descend- 
ing the most rugged and dangerous precipices, and 
surmounting the highest hills, with indescribable fa- 
tigue. The next day, which was the fourth of this 
disastrous march, and during which we had scarcely 
tasted food, division orders were issued, whilst we 
halted a few hours. Iwell remember reading them: 
they were the most distressing, at the same time most 



THE* SUBALTERN OFFICER. 195 

feeling- orders, that I ever heard, commencing some- 
what in this manner : — " The General is aware of the 
many privations and hardships the troops have suffered 
during the last few days : but he assures them, that if 
they will bear them with patience and fortitude for 
another day, their wants shall be supplied, ,, &c. 

I trust the candid observer, who may refer to these 
orders, will pardon any error I may have committed 
in expressing* them ; as I inadvertently took no notes 
or memorandum when on service to assist my me- 
mory, not having then any idea of writing on this 
subject. 

After halting a few hours we went forward, and 
before night came on, reached a strong position on the 
heights of Pampeluna : here we found these orders 
fulfilled according to promise, a fi ll portion of rations 
being delivered out to us — the most seasonable supply 
that troops so famished and harassed could possibly 
obtain. We now commenced boiling our kettles, and 
got some tea, our allowance of rum, meat, and bis- 
cuit, — the first since our retreat commenced, and which, 
indeed, we had hardly patience to wait the cooking of, 
having been about four days without a morsel to eat, 
except the withered leaves of the trees, which we 
chewed as we passed along, to assuage the cravings of 

02 



196 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

hunger. We had now a delicious repast, our full 

portion of rations, and tea, which was plentiful enough 

— witness my servant treading into a box of it. We 

were literally wallowing in luxury, which gave us such 

spirits, that, woe to the enemy who should dare to 

oppose us ! We had taken up our ground on a very 

elevated spot, which commanded an extensive view ; 

and I was here highly amused, just before dusk, by 

observing many of our soldiers run into a field between 

the hostile piquets and dig with their bayonets. Soon 

after I saw many of the enemy do the same thing : 

they did not molest each other, but appeared even 

familiar, laughing and joking promiscuously. How 

strange, thought I, that these men, who to-morrow 

would be slaying each other, should now be so good- 

humouredly employed together! They were digging 

potatoes ; and this ground, I believe, is generally, in 

point of honour, allowed to be neutral. 
teum 

lo t gq< 

We now laid ourselves down to repose : our arms 
iodic 
piled, and every man wrapped up in his blanket, close 

to the butt-end of his firelock ; the enemy immediately 

in our front, and our piquets within half pistol-shot. 

In this state we remained waiting the morning's light, 

to witness the eiforts attending another struggle for the 

Peninsula. 

: 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 197 

Before the day dawned, we were awakened by the 
fire of musketry close upon us, with an alarm that 
the enemy had surprised us in our camp : we started 
up; and, half asleep, " Fall in, fall in ! stand to your 
arms ! quick, quick !" was the word, and instantly we 
were wheeled into line. The piquets only were en- 
gaged ; but they were so near that their balls came 
whistling among us. Ours were directly called in, 
and the dazzling rays of this day's sun, peeping over 
the tops of the hills, displayed to our view the un- 
furled banners and glittering arms of the Gallic lines, 
which were drawn up in order of battle, waiting the 
attack. This day was ordained to crown the British 
arms with increased laurels, and to decide the fate of 
Spain. The enemy had intended this day to relieve 
the garrison of Pampeluna ; and, had they succeeded 
in this attempt, this portion of the British army could 
never have witnessed the glories of Waterloo ! They 
never could have fought at that battle — they must 
have shared the fate of Sir John Moore's troops, or 
again retired to the lines of Lisbon, or some other 
line of demarcation, had it not been for the consum- 
mate bravery of our soldiers on this glorious day. 

The fight was already begun, and it was our turn 
to come in contact with the formidable foe. Thev 
were posted on a great height, and to that spot we 



198 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

hastened to dislodge them : here we saw the enemy 
in such force that we were obliged to show a front of 
six hundred men, when in reality we had not four ; but 
we boldly advanced, till the shot fleW as thick as a 
shower of hail about us, with a noise like the buzzing- 
of bees. 

This was severe fighting- ; as we were compelled to 
drive the enemy from mountain to mountain at the 
point of the bayonet, without the assistance of either 
the dragoons or the artillery.* 

In less than ten minutes one half of my company 
were killed or wounded ; my brother subaltern and 
the serjeant gone to support the colours, the ensign 
being shot; my corporal was knocked down, and 
myself severely wounded by a musket-ball: my men 
were now, therefore, left without even a non-commis- 
sioned officer to command them ; but the brave fellows 
went on in line with the regiment, and in about five 
minutes more I had the satisfaction of seeing them 
carry the hill. 



* I am informed by a Gentleman on the Staff, who was imme- 
diately near His Grace at this moment, that the Duke, seeing the 
corps advance so gallantly, asked what regiment it was ; and when 
informed, replied, " Oh ! let them alone ; they will do their busi- 
ness well, I am sure !" or words to this effect. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 109 

I cannot help comparing this scene to a gunner 
firing at a flock of sparrows ; one-half .of which, at 
the moment, may be seen on the ground — some 
kicking-, some chirping, some hopping away ; others 
panting, sighing, and dying: and such was the case 
with us. 

After lying some time, I was taken to the rear and 
dressed ; and horses or mules being sent for, as no 
other conveyance can pass in these mountains, I soon 
joined my Colonel and half-a-dozen other officers of 
the regiment in the same predicament, who were wait- 
ing a conveyance, and proceeded with them towards 
Vittoria, the depot of the wounded. It was here that 
I heard this brave man, who, as I before observed, was 
placed under an arrest in winter-quarters by the Ge- 
neral of the Division, and who was subsequently shot 
in his stomach in the battle of Vittoria, then slightly 
wounded at the pass at Maya, and now covered with 
similar bleeding honours, after having his horse shot 
under him in this great action, exclaim, "You see, 
by Gad ! — you see we can fight as well as the 
General and his Division : ^you see, though he did 
turn us out of it — by Gad ! you see . . . ." or some 
such words as these. 

We now went at about four leagues a-day, which 



200 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

was excessively distressing, from the intense heat of 
the sun, and the pain we travelled in ; for although 
it was so cold and foggy in the high regions from 
which we had just descended, we found it intensely 
hot in the level country, it being in the month of 
August. 

While we were making the best of our way to this 
place, our brave conquerors of the Pyrenees were in 
their turn pursuing that enemy, who had so recently 
and tauntingly displayed their trifling capture of 
tents to our retiring columns, till they again chased 
them out of the Spanish dominions — never more to 
return. 

Indeed, this part of the Peninsular war, I mean from 
the first attack at Maya to the time of the British re- 
taking that pass, and subsequently, I think, was cer- 
tainly the most arduous and enterprising duty that 
British troops ever performed : I do not by any means 
except the last campaign in Flanders ; for that, with 
the exception of the three days' conflict, I regard as 
a mere party of pleasure in comparison with the affairs 
of the Pyrenees and the disastrous retreats of the 
Peninsula. The troops in Flanders were never without 
the Commissariat at hand, plenty of all kinds of 
necessaries, a general run of good weather, with the 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 201 

exception of two or three days, and a fine country to 
pass through, particularly as respected the roads ; they 
were likewise under the most favourable circumstances 
— that of following- up a victory, with no privations 
or any great fatigue to suffer. But during this Pyre- 
nean contest, there were few days elapsed in which we 
had not a partial or general engagement, with every 
privation and hardship ; and I should suppose our 
losses were equal in proportion. 

God forbid that I should be thought to mention that 
glorious field of Waterloo with envy ! I am too well 
aware of the laurels gained by the heroes who fought 
there, to depreciate their merit in the least ; on the 
contrary, I revere them : but to those officers who 
have fought in Spain, and who have also shared in the 
magnanimous victory of La Belle Alliance, I submit 
my ideas with confidence. They will surely admit, 
that the troops in the Peninsula behaved with as 
much bravery as those who had fought at Water- 
loo 5 and that the important services rendered their 
nation by the troops in the Spanish conflict, was not 
inferior. 

Oh ! that I had had the good fortune to have been 
at the renowned battle of Waterloo, instead of the 
various actions, retreats, advances — advances and 



202 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

retreats again! how easily should I have gained a 
medal, honour, and fame. 

It may appear from these remarks, that I am de- 
sirous of a reward of merit ; and I will candidly con- 
fess that I should be proud of any thing- that would 
add in the least degree to the honour of a soldier: 
but in this case I am speaking in a general point 
of view; for when I behold on the Continent the 
Russian, the Prussian, the Frenchman, the Spaniard, 
and soldiers of all nations, most of whom are de- 
corated with these honourable badges, I certainly 
cannot help sighing at the scarcity of these memorable 
tokens of glory in a country that has made its thun- 
dering cannons sound from Pole to Pole, and has 
planted its numerous and victorious standards — em- 
blems of its fame and greatness — from the Torrid to 
the Frigid Zone. 

It is not the intrinsic value of these baubles that 
makes the soldier so covetous of them ; for were only 
a part of the brass cannon that has been captured in 
the different actions, melted down and converted to 
this use, it would be as dear to the breast it hung on 
as the purest gold : nor is it for the gaiety of the 
variegated ribbon dangling at the button-hole that 
the veteran desires it -: but for the heartfelt satis- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 203 

faction he would feel when retired to his peaceful 
abode, where he could still keep the spark of martial 
glory alight, by showing this badge of emulation and 
distinction to his children, his family, and friends — a 
badge which would entitle him to say, " Merit, like 
this, my boys, has supported your King, your Consti- 
tution, your laws, and your freedom ; gain but these, 
and you will for ever secure them.' 1 



204 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 



CHAPTER XI. 



To kinder skies, where gentler manners reign, 
I turn, and France displays her bright domain. 
Gay, sprightly land of social mirth and ease, 
Pleased with thyself, whom all the world can please ! 
How often have I join'd thy sportive choir, 
In dance and song beside the murm'ring Loire ; 
Where the g*ay grandsire, skill'd in gestic lore, 
Has frisked beneath the burden of threescore ! 

Goldsmith. 



I little thought, when leaving Vittoria, that I 
should have so soon to retrace my steps to that town ! 
During a journey of about thirty leagues, my wound 
had been dressed but once, since the first day. 
Fortunately for me, on entering this depot, I met an 
old playfellow of mine, when a boy, whom I had not 
seen for some years, and who had now obtained the 
rank of Staff-surgeon. He looked at me very hard 
for some time before he could recollect me, as I was 
dusty, dirty, and bloody ; but as soon as he did, he 
came to me, and asked how I happened to be in such 
a sorry condition. I briefly acquainted him ; when he 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 205 

desired me to come with him to his hospital, and I 
gladly accepted his invitation. They took me from 
my horse, and examined the wound, which was found 
much in want of dressing — an operation that my old 
friend performed very tenderly, and then sent me to 
his billet to procure some refreshment, until I could 
get one prepared, which was soon done. Being re- 
moved to it, I was there confined to my bed some 
weeks, and went many weeks after on crutches. Here 
I cannot refrain from again observing the great atten- 
tion shown by the people of the house, who brought 
me fruit, coffee, and cakes, and showed me every 
civility : I lived in this abode some time, forgetting all 
my troubles, and even enjoying some pleasure, for, 
my wound healing fast, I began to walk to the billiard- 
room, the Prada, and the Plaza, to see the bull- 
fights, and other places of amusement; and on finding 
myself sufficiently well to join my regiment, I ob- 
tained leave of the Commandant, and left this 
sprightly town for that purpose. 

It is useless to enter into the particulars of a march 
of this kind, as there is nothing strange or new in 
coming up from the rear. I met at the respective 
stations with a depot, where I was supplied with 
rations; and pursuing my way, I came to St. Sebas- 



206 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

tian's, the ruins of which, caused by its great siege, 
very much astonished me, as I had never before 
witnessed the destructive effects of such a species 
of warfare. — It had been rendered little else than 
one continued heap of rubbish, and its wreck con- 
ferred the greatest honour on the brave fellows 
engaged there. 

Leaving- this skeleton of a town, I soon arrived at 
Fontarabia, a frontier town of Spain, and remained 
there a few days to rest my cattle after so long a 
march. I afterwards entered the French territories 
by crossing the Bidassoa, our troops having previously 
descended into this open and agreeable country. 
Here I found them cantoned in the most wretched 
out-houses and cabins; but, miserable as were the 
quarters, yet they were comfortable in comparison 
with being on the mountains. The enemy were in the 
immediate neighbourhood, consequently we were 
kept in continual hot water, from the alarms that 
every moment occurred ; and at all hours of the night 
were obliged to get under arms, and stand there in 
this cold season, waiting the light of day to be dis- 
missed, that we might go to our habitations, which 
indeed were very extraordinary ones: they were 
situated in the country of Basquensa, in the province 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 207 

of Gascony, on the frontiers of France. I must here 
offer a few remarks on the peculiarities of the 
inhabitants. 

They dress in a singular style, with a very flat 
cap on their heads ; they have in general a short pipe 
in their mouths; they wear a sort of leathern jacket, 
and usually go without shoes or stockings, but have 
wooden shoes to wear occasionally; they commonly 
make use of stilts, with steps on them, that they may 
rise according to the depth of the mire they are 
obliged to pass through, for this country is more miry 
than any other I have been in. They looked very 
gigantic on these extraordinary helpers out of the 
mud, which appeared to me more likely to stick them 
faster in it; but I should imagine there is a gravelly or 
stony bottom under the surface, which prevents their 
sinking deep, and that the great quantity of mud is oc- 
casioned by the dust blown from the high ground in the 
summer season. Upon these machines they are most 
dexterous ; and at the theatres I have seen the perform- 
ers,-^ way of interlude, dance a country dance on them, 
and keep good time with the music. Their physiog- 
nomy is also very singular ; they have extremely long 
features, with an exceeding thin visage; but they 
are a manly and athletic race, and some of their 
females are very pretty and agreeable. I used to sit 



208 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

round their family fire-sides, to pass the long winter 
nights, and endeavour to learn their language; and 
I amused myself, when off duty, (which by the way 
was very seldom), having no books, by assisting 
my landlady's daughters in their chief occupation — 
that of making turpentine rushlights. This process 
was very simple — merely boiling the material, taking 
care not to let it run over, or the house would be 
in flames. The task allotted me was to keep it 
stirring whilst the more expert young ladies dipt 
in the wicks. After hanging them round the room 
to cool, these articles are packed up, and sold 
the next morning at market, at about a penny a 
dozen. — Their language is also peculiar to them- 
selves, and very difficult to attain, as it has not the 
least affinity to either French or Spanish, although 
the people are situated between those two nations, 
but is a dialect in itself, called Basque. The few 
words that I could collect were very odd in their 
sound: as, housquake, a bellows; scaragasca, shake 
hands ; sketch-a-polita, a pretty girl ; Debrainchin, the 
Devil take you, &c. The names of the ladies were 
equally droll and romantic ; but I cannot now recol- 
lect them. Their customs and manners were as outre 
as their dress and language, and would take a history 
itself to describe : they were, however, a very good- 
natured, obliging kind of folk ; but at first much pre- 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 209 

judiced against the English ; being told by the French, 
when retreating through their country, by way of 
making them regard us with abhorrence, that we were 
cannibals, and would take great pleasure in devouring 
their children ; that our very coats were stained with 
the blood of our enemies, and that we lived entirely 
on plunder, rapine, and destruction. They of course 
looked upon us with a jealous eye; but after being 
accustomed to us, they became quite at ease on this 
head, finding us as rational as themselves ; and, from 
the good conduct and quiet behaviour of the men, 
we dwelt together in the greatest harmony. These 
people live in a very frugal manner; commonly by 
toasting a bit of fat pork, which they let drop on 
a piece of bread, then bite it off, and let more drop, 
till all is consumed. Sometimes for dinner they 
have cabbage, oil, and garlic, boiled together ; and 
by sopping some bread in this mixture, they appear to 
make an agreeable meal, of which I have frequently 
been happy to partake, when on different duties in this 
country. 

The enemy, who now came on in earnest, compelled 
us to leave our snug abode, and take again to the 
field, even in this inclement season of the year. It 
was now the depth of winter, and they again com- 
menced their old business of attacking us, so that we 

p 



210 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

were obliged to march out to meet them ; but they did 
not come to an engagement the first day, only 
arranging their forces for that purpose. 

In the night, I was on piquet on the banks of 
the Nieve: a strong French one was posted on the 
other side, with a breastwork thrown up to protect 
them, my advanced sentry being within twenty yards 
of them, posted in a meadow without any covering. 
About break of day, my attention was attracted by a 
great noise from the French piquet : on going to learn 
the cause of it, I found them hallooing, and making 
signs to my sentry to fall back, at the same time 
presenting their pieces at him, and threatening to 
shoot him. On observing these proceedings I ad- 
vanced, and demanded of the French officer what 
were his wishes'? He informed me that my sentry 
was too far in the advance : this caused me to con- 
sider what was to be done, as I dared not take him 
from his post without orders ; but on looking about me 
1 perceived, from the beaten path he had made on his 
daily walk, that the serjeant had not withdrawn him 
the usual number of paces at day-break : I rectified this 
omission, and wished the officer of the French piquet 
good morning, who politely returned the compliment. 
The reason of all this particularity I afterwards found 
out, seeing them retreat in about two hours' time. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 211 

We went to take possession of their ground, and 
hailed the ferry-man for that purpose, but found they 
had scuttled the boat; which accounted for their 
insisting on the sentry's retiring farther from the river, 
in order that he might not observe their motions: 
however, I was glad this affair terminated so well, as, 
had they commenced firing, my piquet must have 
stood but a poor chance in so exposed a situation, 
while the enemy were so very secure. But I could 
not help admiring the coolness of my sentry, for, 
although they threatened, and presented their muskets 
at him, still he walked backwards and forwards on his 
post, with as much unconcern as if nothing had been 
the matter. 

Here let me most strongly recommend to all young 
officers to make themselves acquainted with foreign 
languages, particularly with the French ; for in our 
profession there is no knowing of what essential ser- 
vice that knowledge may be. 

The piquets being now called in, I marched two 
French soldiers prisoners to my regiment, who had 
deserted from the opposite piquet and delivered them- 
selves up to me. After doing this, a general engage- 
ment took place, and a very sharply contested one it 
was. 

p 2 



212 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

It was the battle of Nivelle, in which my brigade 
bore no very active part, being in the reserve. We 
were ordered to deploy on our right, in order to coun- 
teract a movement of the French troops, which 
threatened this point: this manoeuvre was quickly 
performed, and the enemy seeing their designs fru- 
strated, did not come on to the attack ; but, as the 
evening was now wearing to a close, they drew off 
their forces, leaving us, as usual, masters of the 
field. After being on the alert the whole night and 
day, we piled our arms, and lighted fires on the 
ground where we stood ; this was most dreadful cam- 
paigning — lying out in the open fields in this cold 
and wintry weather, without any covering but our 
blankets or cloaks. In this bleak situation we re- 
mained, wishing most heartily for morning, preferring 
a contest with the enemy to perishing in the cold and 
damp of the night. Day-light at length came, and we 
waited the whole of the day, expecting the French 
every moment to attack us again ; but they thought 
better of it, so we lighted our fires, and set ourselves 
to work, broiling our rations on the wood-ashes, 
having no baggage or cooking utensils with us. At 
night we again cringed together round the fires : some 
fell asleep, some were telling stories to drown care, 
but most were grumbling and swearing, till a thick 
and drenching misty rain coming on, pretty well 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 213 

quieted us, and made us huddle more closely together, 
waiting- in silent and sullen expectation the approach 
of light; for my part, being never of a very strong 
constitution, and having at this time a severe dysen- 
tery, which weakened me much, I fell fast asleep, with 
my feet close to the fire for warmth. I was awakened 
by the heat, and to my sorrow, on examination, I 
found I had scorched the soles of my shoes in such a 
manner that one of them literally fell from its upper 
leather. In this situation we stood to our arms ; but 
it would have required the pencil of Hogarth to paint 
the figure I here cut ; with a wearing disease on me, 
on arduous and fatiguing duty, exposed for some days 
to the inclemency of the most rigorous weather, at 
this dreary season of the year, rising from my com- 
fortless bed, and falling shivering into the ranks, with 
my cap, which had served me both for pillow and 
nightcap, crushed into different forms, my beard 
somewhat grown, my eyes sunk in, my cheeks quite 
hollow, my frame diseased and filthy, my countenance 
woeful, my 'shoes without a sole, my sword, from 
having been drawn all day and sheathed in a wet 
scabbard at night, covered with rust, my belt of a 
deep brown, my epaulette very blue, my shirt very 
black, and my coat any colour but red, and in the 
most wet and miry condition : had I been transported 
from this unhappy spot by some magic hand, and 



214 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

placed on the centre arcli of London Bridge, I should 
have filled more hearts with pity and compassion than 
any mendicant of this great metropolis. It was now 
that the fine uniform I mounted in Lewes Barracks 
made the appearance I before hinted it would ere long- 
be subject to. 

The enemy, however, still forbore to attack us ; in- 
deed, such was the bad state of the weather, that they^ 
like us, were unable to keep the field, and we received 
orders to move off to our respective cantonments, — 
most joyful news for us! We arrived late in the 
evening- at our quarters, where we soon made ourselves 
comfortable by a good fire, this country abounding in 
fuel ; and after taking some refreshment, I soon got 
into a comfortable bed, and drowned all my miseries 
in sleep. 

We had now a little respite, owing to the badness 
of the weather, attending only to the common routine 
of duty, as guards, piquets, foraging, &c. In this 
suspense we remained for a short time, but on Christ- 
mas day, just as we were about to make ourselves as 
jovial as circumstances would permit, and drink a good 
health to all our good friends in Old England, the 
drum beat to arms. We immediately fell in, and left 
our roast beef and plum-pudding (for we had exerted 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 215 

ourselves much on this occasion to procure so grand a 
dinner), and again marched to bivouac in the open 
fields, which we kept for several days, observing the 
motions of the enemy, which wore a threatening 
aspect. 

On one of these mornings, as my comrade and 
I were reclining on the side of a rocky mountain, 
the sun just breaking through the frosty horizon, and 
the enemy appearing, moving in the glittering attire 
of martial array, I jocosely observed to him, " See 
what a glorious life we warriors lead, what honour and 
renown we acquire ! surely from this experience we 
shall become second Hannibals !" " D — n your honours 
and your Hannibals!" said he ; "give me a good leg 
of mutton and a snug little cot, and I would gladly 
resign to you warriors this honour, fame, and glory, 
with every kind of success attending it." This poor 
fellow lost his life afterwards by shipwreck, going 
with his regiment to his native country, Ireland, after 
surmounting all the difficulties of several campaigns. 

We were now ordered to change our position, and 
remain a few days longer in the field, going through 
much the same kind of unpleasant duty as formerly ; 
the particulars of which, I am afraid, I have been 
already too tedious in detailing. 



216 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

During the remainder of the time we continued out, 
we had the advantage of fine weather, the nights 
being clear and moon-light, though very cold; and 
we enjoyed a regular supply of provisions, the sea- 
ports on the coast being open to our shipping. 

The bad weather soon began to set in, which drove 
us again into our cantonments, where my complaint 
increasing, and my wound breaking out afresh, . I was 
confined to my quarters. At this time an order 
came to advance; but not being well enough to 
proceed immediately with the regiment, I remained 
in the house of my French host. I was now in an 
enemy's country; yet for the politeness, care, and ten- 
derness of these people, I must ever feel the sincerest 
gratitude. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 217 



CHAPTER XII. 



The hardy veteran, mark'd with many a scar, 
Leans on his sword to take a farewell view, 
And sighing, bids the glorious camp, adieu ! 

Tickell. 



My regiment having departed, I was obliged to 
go to a depot for medical assistance, where I remained 
for some weeks. At length I began to gain strength ; 
and on looking one day at the Gazette, I had the satis- 
faction of seeing myself promoted to a company, soon 
after which I proceeded to join my regiment. I 
passed over the floating bridge of ships across the 
Adour, and halted for the night in the immediate 
neighbourhood of Bayonne* when, about three in the 
morning, I was awakened by a tremendous fire of 
small arms, with a heavy gun at intervals : I directly 
got up ; and going to the spot, had a fine view of the 
famous sortie made from that fortress ; but being an 
individual, I could not take an active part — nor was 
there any occasion, for I soon had the gratification of 



218 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

seeing- our brave troops drive in the enemy to their 
strong garrison; though they suffered here a great 
loss, and their Commandant, General Sir John Hope, 
was taken prisoner — in consequence of his horse 
havihg been shot under him, and its rider being so 
entangled in its fall that he could not escape. 

The success of our forces seemed to reanimate my 
spirits, and I continued my route daily through the 
forests of pine-trees, so numerous in this part of the 
country. I observed the process by which they 
obtained the turpentine from them, of which they 
make most of their candles in the neighbouring towns. 
It is sufficiently simple : it consists in merely digging 
a small hole at the foot of the tree, and then 
cutting streaks in the bark, by which the turpentine 
is conducted to it, and thus they take it out with little 
more trouble. 

In a few days I arrived at Dax, a fine town, famous 
for a great phenomenon, which I cannot pass without 
noticing — I mean a pond of very considerable size, as 
clear as crystal, and perpetually on the boil : I could 
plainly see to the bottom, though it was in a state of 
constant fermentation, and had in every respect the 
appearance of a copper of boiling water, bubbling up 
and steaming in the same manner. Though I saw every 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 219 

symptom of this large sheet of water being* very hot, 
I could not believe it without sensible demonstration : 
I therefore put my finger into it ; but was instantly 
forced to draw it out again — it being as much scalded 
as if I had put it into an utensil of the same liquid 
boiling on the fire. 

I was informed that the inhabitants on the spot 
make use of it on all requisite occasions : it certainly 
is very convenient, and saves them the expense of fuel, 
as they can make their chocolate with it, or boil an 
egg in three minutes. 

On leaving this town, every day brought me into 
a more beautiful country. I now met thousands of the 
army lately under the command of the ci-devant Em- 
peror, the greater part of whom had laid down their 
arms since his defeat by the Northern Allies, and were 
dispersing to their different homes. They were com- 
posed of the most singular medley of nations ; French, 
Corsicans, Portuguese, Italians, Spaniards, &c. who 
had been forced into his service. Some of these were 
desperate looking characters, and had committed all 
kinds of robberies and depredations on the road ; this 
part of the kingdom being at that time infested with 
brigands, which made it very unpleasant and dangerous 
to travellers. These hordes of ragamuffins were con- 



220 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

stantly passing me, but I was never molested by them : 
I suppose my cloth again protected me, and that they 
thought every one of the profession as poor as them- 
selves. I jogged on very leisurely through this 
charming country — an armistice having taken place 
between the contending forces. As I proceeded, I 
was overtaken by a French nobleman and his servant ; 
the former bore on his breast a* Cross of St. Louis, 
which he afterwards informed me he had not worn 
externally for the last twenty years, although he had 
constantly carried it next his heart. On coming up to 
him, he politely accosted me, and asked the particulars 
of the late sortie at Bayonne : I made him understand 
what I knew of the affair but indifferently ; for, 
although I could comprehend the language tolerably 
well, yet for want of practice I could not speak it 
fluently; but he very kindly assisted me, instead of 
laughing at the attempt of a foreigner to make himself 
understood, as I have so frequently seen done in my 
own country. He afterwards requested that I would 
do him the honour of dining with him, and halting at 
the same inn for the night. My route did not specify 
my stopping at this town ; but I gladly accepted his 
kind invitation, and a most excellent dinner we had, 
with the choicest wines. I shall not mention the dif- 
ferent delicacies that were served up ; but among them 
was a dish somewhat resembling stewed larks, and 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 221 

after my dinner was nearly finished, the Chevalier, 
taking" up the dish, said, " Monsieur, voulez-vous 
prendre un petit morceau de fricassee de grenouilles ? " 
I recollected immediately the name of frog", and out of 
pure curiosity took some, which I found very palat- 
able ; but, from the natural antipathy an Englishman 
has to these animals, I did not neglect to wash them 
down with a bumper of good wine, the more effec- 
tually to do away with any disagreeable sensation. 

We met with excellent accommodation at this inn, 
and the next day, after breakfast, our servants having, 
brought our horses to the door, we travelled on 
together very pleasantly. It being now the spring of 
the year, the hawthorn had begun to blossom, the vine- 
yards were already decked in their greenest attire, as 
well as the campaign fields and flowery meadows ; 
the little choristers warbled incessantly wherever we 
passed, and all nature appeared in her gayest colours. 
The robust peasants, with the comely, healthy, country 
lasses, were toiling in the fields and tending their 
flocks. These pleasing objects formed a picture that 
even our very horses seemed to enjoy. We heard, 
too, that sweet little messenger of spring, the night- 
ingale, which my fellow-traveller remarking, ex- 
claimed, " he voild, Monsieur le Capitaine, entendez- 
vous le musicien du bois?" In this agreeable manner 



222 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER, 

we went on, conversing- on different .topics; and he 
informed me that he was going to Bourdeaux to visit 
his daughter, who was married to a gentleman of that 
city. He said, that if I would do him the pleasure of 
accompanying him thither on a visit, every attention 
should be shown me: this kind offer, I told him, my 
duty prevented my accepting, as I was on my way to 
join my regiment, which was stationed at Langon, 
about three days' journey, through which place he 
must pass, as it was on the high road. He asked me 
what regiment it was ; I informed him it was se le 
Regiment de Volontaires du Prince de Galles" — i( Ah! 
ma foisT said he, "ilfaut que je voie ce brave regi- 
ment." I replied that I should have great pride in 
showing them to him ; and on my arrival, after break- 
fast, as they were on parade, I accompanied him 
thither. Not having seen an English regiment before, 
he appeared very much pleased with their appearance, 
particularly with the band, which was always in great 
repute ; and he was very familiar with the officers, to 
whom I introduced him. He observed, that in point of 
our numbers he was much disappointed : I informed 
him, that when we first landed we were upwards of a 
thousand strong, but that his countrymen and the for- 
tune of war had reduced us to the number he then saw. 
He shook his head and exclaimed, u Mon Dieqi ! telle 
est la fortune de la guerre / " On our return he very 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 223 

affectionately took leave of me, and requested that if 
I ever came to Bourdeaux, I would consider his son's 
house my home. So saying, he bade me a friendly 
adieu. 

Some time after this we received orders to proceed 
to that city, where we went into quarters. I very 
much regretted not being able to wait on my agree- 
able travelling-companion, having lost his address. 
Indeed, I suppose he had returned into the country, as 
I never met him after. 

We remained some time in this gay town, which 
was indeed a different scene to what we had been 
accustomed to. Here were amusements of every kind 
to be met with ; elegant theatres, operas, assemblies, 
fine public walks, and parks adorned with beautiful 
females of exquisite symmetry, promenading with the 
most graceful deportment. To an agreeable and fas- 
cinating air, they joined great vivacity, piercing, spark- 
ling eyes, and much animation of countenance ; in 
fact, most of them are charming, pretty women. 

From the length of time I had now been on active 
service, my health was much impaired; and it was 
thought necessary by the Physician of the Forces that 
I should go to England ; particularly as I no longer 



224 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

belonged to this battalion, my promotion transferring 
me to another. I therefore waited a passage for that 
purpose ; and being now convalescent, began to enjoy 
the fine walks about this delightful town. My appetite 
also improved, and was easily gratified by the choice 
collection of every thing rare, which this abundant 
place produced. A wonderful change was also per- 
ceptible in the countenances of the men, who had so 
lately had the appearance of famine, dejection, and 
fatigue, from their late sufferings. Their countenances 
were now beaming with health and content, for this 
was a most excellent quarter ; the finest fat beef, fed 
on the luxuriant pastures of the fertile meadows which 
border the lively Garonne, was here to be had for 
about twopence per pound; bread, wine, fruit, and 
every article of life, in proportion, except tea and 
sugar, which were imported in a great measure from 
England. Our troops living on this kind of fare, 
regained their natural ruddy, robust, and soldier-like 
appearance. The sick and wounded recovering, 
and fresh detachments now arriving, increased our 
regiment so much, that it again became one of the 
strongest in this country ; it was consequently one of 
the first ordered to embark for America — an unlucky 
order, for it deprived us of sharing in the honour of the 
battle of Waterloo ; but I think we may boast of this 
consolation, that our generous country gives equal 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 225 

praise to her troops, wherever they gallantly dis- 
tinguish themselves. 

For this service we were allowed a considerable 
time to prepare; which interval we passed very 
pleasantly, living in the most sumptuous style. For 
about half-a-guinea a-day we got, at the first inns in 
the town, a sumptuous dinner, with champagne, claret, 
and all kinds of rich wines, as well as an excellent 
dessert ; after which we generally went to the play, 
the opera, a ball, or to some private party; for the 
gentry of the town took great pleasure in paying the 
most marked respect to the English officers, and 
showed them all imaginable civility. The ladies, in 
particular, were exceedingly attentive and affable; so 
much so, that they made a strong impression upon the 
hearts of our young sparks, and one of our officers 
was fortunate enough to make a lovely damsel in this 
neighbourhood the partner of his life. There are 
moments of happiness, to cheer even the heart of the 
wandering soldier ! but so capricious is Fortune to the 
sons of war, that this dashing gallant indulged but a 
very short time in the charms of his amiable spouse ; 
he was ordered to embark two days after, and his 
disconsolate bride was obliged to wait with impatient 
anxiety the return of the object of her affections from 
an American campaign. 

Q 



226 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

So very engaging and agreeable are the charming 
young ladies of this town, that I may with truth 
assert, nearly the whole of the officers had in a great 
measure lost their hearts: even in the married ones, it 
required the greatest constancy and resolution to 
retain their attachment for their affectionate wives at 
home ; and so deeply were many of the batchelors in 
love, that, had not a sudden order snatched them from 
this paradise of fascinating female society, many 
more would, I have no doubt, soon have sacrificed at 
the nuptial shrine ; but love, however powerful, must 
yield, though reluctantly, to the imperative call of 
war! 

In this routine of pleasure, time flew quickly away. 
The regiment embarked for its destination in the 
New World, and I proceeded to Old England to join 
another battalion : but it was with the greatest regret 
I left this fine corps, in which I had seen so many 
arduous but glorious days. 

tfl bfl 

After remaining at anchor in the roads some days, 

we set sail for our different destinations. We were 
favoured with a fair breeze, and my heart was full of 
joy at the prospect of again seeing my country and 
friends, after so long an absence, attended with such 
constant hardships, difficulties, and anxiety of mind. 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 227 

But though these agreeable sensations occupied my 
mind almost entirely, I felt some regret at leaving a 
country with which I had now become familiar, and 
where I had experienced content and happiness, from 
the kindness and friendship I had met with in it, 
which even counterbalance the discomfitures I had 
suffered. 

We had just come into soundings, when the fine 
wind changed into a gale directly against us, so that 
we could not lay our course ; and it ultimately drove 
us into the Bay, by me so. much dreaded, from the 
furious storm with which I had to contend there on 
my first going out. I was apprehensive of a repetition 
on my return ; which, indeed, proved to be the case : 
but I shall not trespass on the patience of the reader, 
by again entering into particulars similar to those 
stated in the early part of this Narrative. We 
sustained all the violence and fury of the hurricane 
with patience ; for experience, among other desirable 
acquisitions, teaches us this great one. The wind at 
last favoured us, and we bore away for the Channel, 
made land the day after, and the next day disembarked 
at Plymouth. I was not yet recovered from the effects 
of the late storm; but being determined to make 
myself as comfortable as possible, I put up at the 
principal hotel: I immediately called for the landlord, 

Q 2 



228 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

to know what was the best fare the larder afforded for 
supper : he answered any thing- I might please to 
order. I at once recognised in his reply English 
accommodation, which is certainly the best in the 
world, although the best price must be paid for it, as 
I found out in the morning, before taking my 
departure from the town. 

On arriving at Bath, I found the action of the ship 
not yet out of my head : the confusion of my brain 
was such, that, although sitting still, I fancied myself 
in perpetual motion. I therefore found it necessary 
to remain all night : and, to drown ennui and make 
myself at ease, to order something reviving. ^ 
called the waiter, and desired him to get me as 
quickly as possible for dinner some veal-cutlets, ham, 
and green peas. At the mention of the last article, 
he looked at me very hard: "Sir!" said he. "Get 
me some veal-cutlets and green peas," said I. "I can 
procure you some green peas, Sir ; but they are half- 
a-guinea a quart!" This answer made me stare in 
my. turn. "Why!" replied I, "I have had them in 
plenty at Bourdeaux for the last fortnight." " That 
may be, Sir, but they are not to be had here in such 
plenty at present." " Then," answered 1, "you must 
entertain me in the best manner you can ; I will leave 
things entirely to you and the chamber-maid." A 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 229 

very good accommodation I had: yet I could not but 
reflect on the very great difference a few leagues made 
in climate ; — Bath not having the same vegetables tit 
for the table for at least three weeks after they 
had been plentiful in Bourdeaux; and one quart of 
green peas, at the former place, costing as much as 
the Champagne wine, dinner, dessert, and all the luxu- 
ries of the table put together, had done at the latter. 
In point of economy, the South of France is certainly 
a most desirable residence. 

BBW 

The next day I set off for London, where I arrived 
in a very reduced state of health. I remained some 
time in the capital, as I was obliged to undergo a 
complete refit, in order to join the 2d Battalion.^itef 
campaigning uniform was so completely tattered, that 
I was compelled to throw it out of the window at 
Bourdeaux, and dress myself in plain clothes for tra- 
velling in, which I procured in that town, made in 
the most stylish and fashionable manner. As it was 
then almost a novelty to appear in London with a 
French dress, the tailors and shoemakers solicited the 
inspection of my apparel as a most finished cut ; in- 
deed, the boots made at Bourdeaux are certainly the 
neatest I ever saw, not excepting those made in Bond- 
Street. Every kind of trinket may also be procured 
there very cheap, such as watches, rings, brooches, &c. 



230 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

They appear at first sight very beautiful, and of 
exquisite workmanship ; but on wearing- them a short 
time, they are found to be so flimsily put together, 
that it is far better to purchase substantial articles of 
this kind in England, which, though at a higher 
price, will in the end be found the cheapest, to say 
nothing of running no risk of losing them by the 
officers of the Revenue. 

Having completed my re-equipment, I proceeded to 
join my regiment, which was stationed at Alderney. 
This diminutive island is only seven miles in circum- 
ference; but little places and little persons I have 
commonly found the most agreeable, and so it was 
here. The quarters were exceedingly pleasant and 
comfortable, and we received every attention both 
from the civil and military Governors. Here we were 
stationed some time looking at the enemy's coast, 
which had again become hostile, owing to the 
Corsican's escape from Elba. This was the means of 
keeping us much on the alert here ; the Commandant 
of this small fortress being aware of the local import- 
ance of this little island. It was formerly famous 
for the retreat it afforded to smugglers ; at present 
it is principally celebrated for its very fine breed of 
pretty little dairy cows, which are here so productive 
that they are milked three times a-day, and afford 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 231 

perhaps the most delicious butter in the world. 
Every precaution was taken to defend it in case of an 
attack, and the most judicious arrangements were made, 
which kept our little garrison in the greatest order and 
most active state of discipline : in this respect, indeed, 
it might rank in miniature with the great fortress of 
Gibraltar. 

This island, although so small, possesses very great 
advantages : its situation is healthy, its scenery beau- 
tiful, and its appearance romantic. Great taste has 
been displayed in the improvements made by its Go- 
vernor, Colonel Le Mesurier ; and in the spring of the 
year I hardly know a more enchanting spot ; the ve- 
getation is nearly equal, in point of quickness and lux- 
uriousness, to that of the neighbouring shore, which is 
easily seen from what is here called the Bley — a large 
piece of ground, of about five hundred acres, divided 
into an immense number of parcels, occupied by the 
different inhabitants, and sown with various kinds of 
vegetables. Thus this spot has almost the appearance 
of a quilt made of patch-work, so variegated is the 
face of its beautiful inciosure. In harvest it retains 
the same form, but with different colours : from various 
shades of green, they are now transformed into the 
most beautiful bright colours of yellow and green in- 
termixed. From this place there is a delightful view 



232 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

of the French coast opposite ; and the inhabitants may 
clearly be seen, by the help of a tolerable glass, tending* 
their flocks. This prospect renders the fields here 
very pleasing- walks, but not very shady, there being 
but very few trees on the island. 

On this large and well-cultivated piece of ground 
the worthy Governor, at the conclusion of the harvest, 
gives annually a most sumptuous entertainment to the 
inhabitants and the military, which is extremely in- 
viting. The society you meet with is agreeable ; a 
full band of music attends, and the beauty of the sur- 
rounding scenery is enhanced by the natural spright- 
liness of the peasant lads and lasses who resort to this 
rendezvous of mirth and jollity, which not a little re- 
sembles a country fair. 
. 

With respect to the amiable qualities of the females 
belonging to the higher classes in this pleasant island, 
there is reason to say every thing complimentary. 
— Alderney may justly be compared to the Island 
of Calypso ; and the attractions of these fair damsels 
is even more potent than hers ; for should any gallant 
get entangled in the snares of love here, it is almost 
impossible for him to extricate himself. This no less 
than five of my brother-officers who were quartered in 
this fascinating place can testify, having each married 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 233 

one of the fair residents : and which indeed is not to 
be wondered at ; for where young gentlemen 
experience attention, respect, and friendship, it is 
very natural that they should, in return, be induced 
to share their heart, love, and fortune, with such 
engaging and endearing objects ; and were this 
condescension a little more practised in England, I 
am of opinion that the female part of society would 
be materially benefited. 

When I remark that it is impossible for a gentle- 
man to extricate himself if he fall in love in this 
island, I do not mean to infer that he is entangled 
like a bird in a net; but should he quit the island 
without marrying the object of his attachment, he is 
obliged to return and complete his courtship by mar- 
riage. This is owing to a strange practice prevalent 
in these islands, which is called flouncing ; and when 
this, which is nothing more than keeping each other 
company, takes place, it is held as sacred as a mar- 
riage-contract : thus, if once a gentleman is flounced, 
or engaged to a lady, she never by any chance 
thinks of another object of affection, but implicitly 
relies on her gallant's honour, which is rarely, if ever, 
forfeited. 

!fifft 

Although this colony is very small, yet, besides the 



234 THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 

land cultivated on the Bley, it has an extensive com- 
monage, on which a great many of their young cows 
are reared. Upon the whole, this pretty little island is 
a very desirable quarter, and in every respect cal- 
culated for a pleasant summer residence. I consider 
it one of the most unique retirements in the British 
dominions. 

Time, stealing quickly on, removed us from this 
spot ; for it is commonly the case, in our restless pro- 
fession, too soon to quit the place in which we are 
most desirous to remain. The route came, and we 
embarked by detachments in a small vessel for 
Guernsey, where transports soon arrived and conveyed 
us to Portsmouth, at which place we disembarked and 
went into barracks. We remained in "them but a few 
days, when we marched for Winchester, which town 
I anticipated great pleasure in seeing, from having 
heard that it was the place of my nativity ; but I did 
not observe any thing peculiarly attractive or extra- 
ordinary in that ancient city, which we left a few 
weeks afterwards, and proceeded to Fort Monkton — 
our final destination. After remaining there some 
weeks, the death-warrant of our regimental existence 
was at last signed, and we were with very little pre- 
amble released from our long and arduous duties. 
Peace had been proclaimed with all the world, 



THE SUBALTERN OFFICER. 235 

and there was no farther occasion for our ser- 
vices. 

Being- now my own master, and not subject 
to orders, reprimands, or martial law, I found myself 
as light as a bird that has had the door of its cage 
thrown open and been set at liberty. Oh! happy 
Liberty ; at thy shrine let me offer up my devotions 
for all thy favours conferred upon me. I have no 
longer different climes to contend with, nor hardships, 
storms, or dangers, to encounter; and living in thy 
happy land, at my own free will and pleasure, envying 
no man's wealth, but perfectly satisfied with the liberal 
allowance of Government for my trifling services, 
there is nothing that would induce me to quit this free 
State, but the honour of again serving my King and 
my Country ! 

bib I ivi 

W9I B Jfoi THE END. 

— Hv. 

OflTO 



Tattersall, Printer, 63, Upper Thames Street. 






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